Attention: GVRDEU Members
After the Employer’s application to the Labour Relations Board to appoint a mediator was declined on February 6th, the Employer returned to the table on February 12th for a scheduled full eight-hour negotiation session. At the start of the meeting, the Union presented its revised proposal. Within 30 minutes, the Employer responded by text message to announce they unilaterally adjourned the session to reassess their position.
This is not an isolated incident of the Employer abruptly ending a meeting. On several occasions, full days have been booked only for the Employer to walk out early, demonstrating a lack of serious commitment to reaching an agreement with the Union.
Effective bargaining requires commitment from both sides, and it cannot move forward without both committees remaining at the table.
Key issues raised by the Union that remain unresolved include:
- Contracting Out
- Job Descriptions & Compensation
- Safety & Working Conditions
- Premium & Benefit Improvements
We have been working under an expired collective agreement since December 31, 2024, and have been bargaining diligently in the last 6 months and will continue to negotiate in good faith towards a fair deal for the membership. We are hopeful that we will reach a collective agreement, and are scheduled to meet with the Employer on March 2nd and 5th, however if negotiations are not fruitful, we need to look at other options.
AN INFORMATION SESSION FOCUSED ON BARGAINING WILL BE HELD FOR ALL MEMBERS ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4TH, AT THE REGULAR MEMBERSHIP MEETING. YOUR ATTENDANCE IS STRONGLY ENCOURAGED.
In solidarity,
GVRDEU Bargaining Committee
