Your Bargaining Committee met with the Employer twice last week. Here is an important update.
The Employer has previously informed members that the compressed workweek was under review as part of the Branch Staffing Model Review.
There are long standing employment practices that are not in the Collective Agreement. The compressed workweek is one of these. The Union cannot stop the Employer from cancelling such practices, as either party can unilaterally cancel a practice that is not captured in the Collective Agreement. This is done by serving notice during bargaining.
The Employer has served the Union with notice of their intention to cancel the compressed workweek. Therefore, as of November 24th, it has become an issue for discussion at the bargaining table. Based on survey responses and discussion with the membership, your CUPE 391 Bargaining Committee is committed to achieving an agreement that provides for work/life balance.
The practice of the compressed workweek as it currently stands, remains until the new collective agreement is ratified by the membership.
We also continue to engage with the Employer on the other important issues that we are trying to address through the proposals we put forward in July, and hope to make meaningful gains in the coming weeks.
Our next scheduled days of bargaining are set for December 14th & 15th.
We are always happy to receiver your questions and feedback on the bargaining process. Email bargaining@cupe391.ca with any questions and comments.
In solidarity, your bargaining committee, Brian Peaslee (chair), Aliza Nevarie, Jane Curry, Laurin Shadforth, Ed Dickson, Gary Jarvis and National Representative Zoe Magnus (lead spokesperson).