Date: June 27, 2023
Greetings Sisters, Brothers, and Colleagues,
The West Park Crossing bargaining committee met with the membership on June 20th at 6:30pm. The membership knew through posters that the topics of the meeting were to discuss the Employer’s latest proposal and to hold a vote for strike action if required. The meeting was well-attended by our members. The members were informed that we had reached an impasse with the Employer at our June 16th meeting. The primary issue was the Employer’s refusal to enhance their last monetary offer. The committee answered questions about the strike processes. The membership voted to reject the Employer’s offer and to take a strike vote.
An electronic vote using the "Simply Voting" platform had been set up prior to the meeting in anticipation of the memberships desires. Voting commenced at 7:00pm and continued until 7:00pm June 21st. There were also paper ballots provided for those that did not receive an electronic ballot.
The results were very decisive. Almost seventy-five percent of the membership participated in the vote, with the outcome being nearly unanimous (97% +) in favour of taking strike action, should that become necessary. We have agreed with the Employer that we have reached an impasse, with the next course of action being to notify the Minister of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety, copying the Employer, setting out that an impasse has been reached in collective bargaining, requesting the mandatory conciliation assistance, and that it is the Union's belief there are no essential services that need to be maintained.
On behalf of the Committee, if you have questions about bargaining and/or your collective agreement contact the Member Resource Centre (MRC) by phone at 1-888-999-7348 ext 2298, by email at [email protected], or by using the contact form on our website.
Your participation in your Union makes us all strong!
In Solidarity,
The SEIU-West West Park Crossing Bargaining Committee
Selene Desjardins (Unit Chair) • Rubilyn Mercene • Staff: Lynette Pinfold (Union Representative) • Katelyn Thibeault (Union Representative) • Larry Buchinski (Southern Negotiations Officer) • Bob Laurie (Director, Contract Bargaining & Enforcement)