Component Bargaining

Strike vote was taken over 2 days, August 20 and 21, 2012, after the employer served 72 hour lockout notice to the union.

The dispute, dating back to 2009, revolves around whether or not “bumping”, or layoff by reverse seniority, is permitted under the Civil Service Act. 
 

NSGEU has served 48-hour notice to strike and is readying to commence strike action on Monday, Aug. 13 at 7am should there be no progress in negotiations over the weekend. 
 

The union chose to conduct strike action at these work sites to back demands for a fair and reasonable agreement with the B.C. Government and to support BCGEU/NUPGE members’ wage proposal.

“Getting closer to a collective agreement for our members means we can continue to provide the quality education our young people deserve,” said Jim Steele, chair of the negotiation committee.

Bargaining team said it is prepared to make moves on the substantive issues that management has identified.

Morning rally slowed traffic on Bay Street and attracted considerable media attention. Many morning newscasts on television and radio led with the demonstration.

“It’s really regrettable that management has slammed the door shut on the prospect that the two sides can get together and work out an agreement,” - Rod Bemister, OPSEU/NUPGE.

SGEU/NUPGE signed the mediation agreement drafted by mediator Tom Hodges.

“Let’s get back to mediation, so staff and students can get back into the classroom,” - SGEU/NUPGE President Bob Bymoen. 

Striking college support staff ask management to return to the bargaining table and reach a fair settlement.  The choice is theirs to make - sooner rather than later!

MGEU/NUPGE President Lois Wales responds to misleading editorial in Winnipeg Free Press.  

School board announces that employees will see a 2.65% increase to pension contributions that will be effective Jan. 1, 2012.  

Academic and Professional Services employees at SIAST walked off the job Tuesday, September 6, 2011 to back up their demand for a fair deal.

Both the SIAST Academic and Professional Services bargaining units are in a legal strike position and are willing to take job action to back their demand for a fair and equitable wage settlement.

“We are hopeful that the offer we presented to the employer will result in a tentative collective agreement,” said Bob Bymoen, SGEU President.

Majority of essential service levels now established, remainder by August 5.

NSGEU, CDHA discussing emergency services in event of walkout.

"Of grave concern to us is the unacceptable fact that adult probation officers often find themselves working alone in unsafe conditions, a situation which must be rectified immediately." - NAPE President, Carol Furlong.

NSGEU/NUPGE is encouraging the public to keep the pressure on and to support these members as they fight for a fair collective agreement.

Fifty-six percent of civil service members voted with sixty-seven percent of those who cast a ballot voting to accept the offer.

“For the past two and a half years the government has been working on a 10-year strategy for mental health,” says Kim McDowell, President of OPSEU Local 152 (RMHC). “While they have been talking about improving the system, the reality on the ground has been one of program closures and layoffs.”

The Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU/NUPGE) will now be arranging times and locations for ratification meetings.

Television and newspaper ads challenge SIAST management and the provincial government to negotiate a fair and reasonable contract.

'The committee has been preparing a package that reflects the direction of the membership.'

'It’s been a particularly long and difficult round of negotiations.'

'We are very pleased to have reached this agreement and to have reached it so quickly.' - Joan Jessome.

Employees will receive pay increases totalling 20% over a four-year period.

'They are trying to circumvent the normal bargaining process by communicating directly with our members.'

'Employment security demands are the best opportunity we have to protect jobs and vital public community services.'

E-mail by Dr. Robert McCulloch criticized by SGEU and SIAST employees for meddling improperly with the collective bargaining process.

Employees fighting for fair contract at Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology.

'No substantive agreement on any issue ... the union will be filing for conciliation shortly.'

Union representing health science professionals across British Columbia urges members to vote in favour.

MGEU requesting a return to the bargaining table as soon as possible.

'SIAST and the provincial government which is directing these negotiations from behind the scenes refuses to move in a positive direction that would lead to an agreement.'

'Our hope is that the employer will now re-engage in productive bargaining discussions. We look forward to resolving this impasse.' - Darryl Walker.

'All we’re looking for at the moment is for management to agree to some time lines where we can discuss the labour adjustment plan.'

'Once again our members have told this association that they prefer to deal with a professional, member-driven union.'

Two-year settlement affects employees at several worksites across eastern Ontario.

Workers end four-month lockout by accepting wage adjustments totalling $3 an hour over a five-year contract.

Information going out this month to members across British Columbia in advance of ratification voting to take place in late January and early February.

'The four-year deal includes a general wage increase of 2.75% in each of the last two years and a no lay-off clause.'

More than 2,000 instructors and professional services employees have been without a contract for the past 18 months.

'Our bargaining team did a great job and we were successful in getting a very good deal for our members.'

'Rather than waste time on discussions that were clearly going nowhere.'

NSGEU says arrangements will be made with Nova Scotia agency to put the new contract into effect as quickly as possible.

Four-year deal contains pay raises totalling 13%.

Move follows merger of three former authorities into the Western Regional Housing Authority.

15,000 community-based workers have been without a contract since March of 2010.

'The 15 employees have made history not only because of the length of the strike but also because of their display of courage in their struggle against injustice.' - Carol Furlong, NAPE president.

'This action demonstrates a complete lack of respect for the hard-working, dedicated staff.'

'There is a commitment from both the union and the government to work together to see that the changes can be implemented in as smooth a way as possible.'

'The bargaining committee was cohesive and supportive throughout. We are pleased that we were able to achieve an agreement.' - Joan Jessome.

'The bargaining association is satisfied that there is forward momentum in negotiations.'

Employees represented by PEIUPSE cast ballots strongly in favor of settlement.

Dozens of events will be held across the province on Friday (Dec. 3) to fight back against the McGuinty government's plan to scapegoat public sector workers.

Eleven MGEU locals across Manitoba vote in favour of ratification.

Demonstrators appeal to outgoing and incoming premiers to step in and resolve the long impasse.

Ratification vote on pay increases and other negotiated contract improvements scheduled for Dec. 11. - Updated.

New Nova Scotia Labour Board will eventually combine the activities of six existing boards and agencies performing labour relations functions.

Employees with Tri-County Regional School Board to hold ratification vote on Dec. 8.

Proposed settlement contains significant wage increases and other gains for Vancouver Island employees.

The impact on public employees will stretch far beyond the two-year freeze proposed by the province – all for the benefit of already-wealthy corporations.

'Needless to say, this had been a difficult bargaining climate.'

Wage increases, better shift premiums, special projects, market adjustment and scheduling improvements.

Province refuses to respond to international condemnation for denying part-time college workers the right to organize.

College negotiators in Saskatchewan want anti-labour government to pick arbitrator on long-running dispute.

'The employer has indicated that the staffing level for this group of employees is low.' - HSAA/NUPGE.

'We are very pleased to reach a collective agreement that is acceptable to the membership of this new Local.' - Joan Jessome.

Administrators at nationally-known Nova Scotia university refusing to negotiate fair first contract with employees.

HSPBA condemns bargaining tactics by employer - 'an insult to members.'

Talks continue with new deadline set for Nov. 17 at three work sites in Eastern Ontario.

'A rights-based system makes sense, because it removes politics from the justice system.' - Darryl Walker.

Unanimous vote by Metro Vancouver Environment and Energy Committee welcomed by BCGEU and COPE.

"Dwight Duncan is cutting almost $5 billion in corporate taxes in the next three years despite Ontario having one of the lowest tax rates in the industrialized world." - Warren (Smokey) Thomas.

'The employer is being stubborn and blocking a deal.' - OPSEU.

"I have nothing but admiration for the solidarity and toughness demonstrated by members.' - Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU president. - Updated

'A message that government negotiators need to discuss members’ concerns, particularly about the issue of overcrowding.'

4% offer over three years unacceptable to 2,000 SGEU members across Saskatchewan.

'I am pleased the employer recognized the need for a fair offer.' - Joan Jessome.

Discussions planned this week on key issue of essential services.

NAPE president questions whether Premier Danny Williams has any understanding of issues at stake.

Proposed new agreement reached with the help of a provincially-appointed mediator.

Lockout averted for members of Local 548 of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union.

Management at Geneva Centre for Autism in Toronto says it will lock out 75 employees (OPSEU/NUPGE members) on Oct. 29.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE/NUPGE) has reached a tentative agreement for workers at the Bay St. George Community Employment Corporation (CEC).

Eye-opening website lets employees see the annual cumulative losses a public sector freeze will mean to their personal purchasing power.

'There are ways the government can save money within the government system but it's not by cutting public services.' - Tom Mann.

'The tentative contract failed to address the issues that matter most to our members which include respect and fairness in the workplace.'

'We deserve a fair wage increase.' - bargaining committee chairperson Tracey Kurtenbach.

'Know that we stand strong.... OPSEU will do everything in its power to ensure that you get the fair contract you deserve.'

Brian Keller deals blow to McGuinty government restraint plan by ruling in favour of employees at Windsor Regional Hospital.

'The bargaining team pushed the employer very hard and they understood our members weren’t going to buckle under.'

Province-wide information picket held to draw attention to concession demands by employer.

Pay equity will eventually be assured for all LCBO employees under the Pay Equity Act of Ontario.

'Your bargaining committee feels this remains a very challenging set of negotiations and there is a considerable amount of work still ahead.'

Consolidation of diagnostic imaging services throughout Lower Mainland of B.C.

Members gather from across the province to set priorities for the next round of collective bargaining.

OPSEU says a two-year freeze would cost many members nearly $2,000 annually in lost purchasing power.

9.5% in wage increases over four years but frustrations with SAHO remain.

'Our members need to see real gains after years of concessions and crumbs. We won't settle for an agreement that includes no improvements and no employment security.'

A triumph for all administrative professionals, union says.

'We haven’t received a wage increase in eight years and we’re fed up.' - Laura Webster.

'A bit of progress was made on some issues, but not anywhere near the kind of movement we need to see.'

'We’re looking forward to working with employers to reach a fair settlement that improves the working lives and conditions of our members.'

SEIU case sets precedent for long queue of similar cases pending across Ontario.

Employees fighting freeze say money saved in wages would be scooped up by long-term care executives and private shareholders.

BCGEU also negotiates new collective agreement at St. James Daycare Society.

Wages key issue for employees at private manufacturer of cookies, candy and flavoured syrups.

'The toughest issues are still on the table.' - Tyler England.

'Now is a good time for all civil service members — and all NSGEU members — to speak up about the vital importance of having enough workers to do the work.' - NSGEU.

Strike began in mid-August against Northern Ontario School of Medicine.

NAPE accuses employer of discrimination against women while managers are paid up to $40 an hour.

Two-year deal ratified after 'a lot of hard work' by NSGEU negotiators who were constrained by a climate of 'ongoing program review' within the government.

Ratification recommended after two-year deal reached by parties with assistance from a provincial mediator.

Provincial party event at Ottawa area golf club draws labour demonstrators opposed to wage freeze in 2010 Ontario budget.

'The employer is threatening to conduct a temporary layoff of the entire bargaining unit.'

'It became more apparent that the employer didn’t appear to be interested in reaching a fair settlement.'

'Congratulations on a wonderful fight back by all of you.' - Warren (Smokey) Thomas. – Updated

'Outstanding issues include overtime, workloads, job classification and sick leave.'

Workers reject second tentative settlement with agency that has one manager for every two employees.

Arbitration award covers wages, dental, uniforms, time-in-lieu, overtime, vacation, bereavement and more.

'The employer’s wage proposal is extremely offensive.'

'I know the members are most pleased that students will not have their studies interrupted.' - Peter Olfert.

'I don’t think they understand the meaning of a dollar if they can afford $750 for a golf game.' - Patty Rout.

BCGEU says settlement provides stability during transition of ownership.

'No one should doubt our members’ resolve to make employment security our top priority in this round of bargaining."

Union has now reached tentative or ratified agreements with nine agencies across the province.

Health Sciences Association of Alberta has launched a media campaign to inform the provinces' Emergency Medical Services personnel about the benefits of joining 'Alberta's #1 EMS Union'.

New union members from the casino are drop team workers and supervisors who are responsible for collecting money from gaming tables and slot machines, transporting it to the casino's count room, and - under both audio and video surveillance - counting the proceeds.

Vote came as a result of an application by Labrador-Grenfell for a single bargaining unit for hospital support staff who were represented by NAPE and CUPE.  A group of approximately 90 non-union employees also took part in the voting process and are also now NAPE members.

Colleges have asked Ontario Labour Relations Board to deny application for certification outright - want the ballot boxes to remain sealed and they don’t want the votes to be counted.  Union calls on Minister to act.

Increases of 19% to 21.67% over 4.25 years

OPSEU calling for increased pressure on politicians to bring about a settlement

Campaign will remind Albertans of the vital role that health care workers play

'Members should be prepared to walk.' MGEU

After years of lobbying, the British Columbia Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE) has won full benefits for seasonal auxiliary workers employed by B.C.'s forest and range protection branch. The change takes effect with the 2008 fire season.

'This strike has been about equity.' - Ursula Clark, BCGEU

'Represents positive change for administrative workers.'

'This is as much an issue of public safety as it is about wages.' - MGEU president Peter Olfert

Employees have fallen far behind others working in the same sector.

Wage parity the major issue as close to 75% of staff at the cancer centres are paid less than their counterparts in the health districts.

Tentative agreement between CDHA and province's largest healthcare local.

Ends first strike in Society's history

Mediation ends as employer continues to demand rollbacks

Deal with Argo Road Maintenance could set pattern for settlements with other private contractors

Acceptance would avert a strike scheduled for Sept. 11

Wages and workload key unresolved issues

Difficulty reaching first contract with private employer

Wages and workload among unresolved issues

Raises range from $1.47 to $1.81 an hour over two years

Developmental services in London and Prince Edward County may soon be back on the job

Provincial labour board decision brought down against Emcon Services Inc.

Workers in London and Prince Edward County remain off the job

Elgin employees reach agreement while negotiations continue in other areas

Tillsonburg workers settle while other groups remain out

'Shocking ignorance of standard back-to-work protocols.' - OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas

OPSEU calling for increased pressure on politicians to bring about a settlement

Settlement features improvements and retroactive pay increase

'We can win this and achieve fairness for all developmental services workers across Ontario.' - Warren (Smokey) Thomas

Madeline Meilleur locks her office door as bus loads of strikers picket

Striking employees are joined by families and patients

Wage increases averaging 10.3% over four years

Balloting across province over the next three weeks

8,900 teachers vote 80.4% in favour of walkout if necessary on March 7