Attention: GVRDEU Members
We wanted to provide you with commentary regarding the recent bargaining meetings we had with the Employer and subsequent developments.
During the last few meetings, it has become apparent that the Employer showed a lack of reasonable engagement and began the tactic of not remaining or showing up to the table in having face-to-face negotiations, by asserting claims of bargaining in bad faith, disrespectful behavior or insisting on the aid of a mediator from the Labour Relations Board to participate.
After reading the Union’s bargaining update #4 addressed to the membership, the Employer made the decision not to attend the March 2nd scheduled bargaining date with the Union, effectively taking steps that would enable the Employer to pursue job action by filing for an Essential Services Designation.
When the Union asked why the Employer would not commit to meet as scheduled, the Employer said they needed time to prepare for what they anticipated might be the Union’s next steps rather than continue bargaining, while also asserting that they had no intention of initiating job action against workers.
We were notified by the Employer, that it sent an email to the entire organization on March 4th. We recognize this may have caused some concerns amongst the membership. Our Bargaining Team is firmly committed to securing a fair wage agreement with no trade‑offs or concessions.
As most of you may know, Metro Vancouver has provided bargaining services for many member municipalities through an arm of its Labour Relations branch called Regional Employer Services (RES 360). Once again, their influence has faded which has become a trend in collective bargaining throughout the region. We are hearing from local Unions that municipalities are increasingly limiting the amount of input RES 360 provides at their bargaining tables, noting that its involvement has made it more difficult to reach agreements between the parties involved.
The Bargaining Team meets with the Employer tomorrow, March 5th, when the Employer is due to present its counter. No further dates are scheduled after that. From the outset, the Employer has avoided meaningful engagement, dismissed the Union’s concerns about pay inequities, and pressed the Union to scale back essential improvements.
The Employer’s last message about tomorrow’s session was that they want to hear more about the Union’s priorities and which proposals matter most, given what they describe as limited movement in the current economic climate. The Union has clearly explained its position on its proposals and it’s time for the Employer to get serious about concluding this round of bargaining.
The Employer’s committee continues to overlook the significant disparities in pay and benefits between exempt staff and its unionized workers at Metro Vancouver. The BC Government has emphasized the need to reduce bureaucracy and administration overhead in public bodies, while protecting frontline core jobs. The current management team can no longer justify the mismanagement of public funds required for MV’s day-to day operations.
Thank you to the membership for your dedication and unwavering support as we work to secure a fair deal. We will keep you updated if negotiations stall and will notify you in advance if a strike vote becomes necessary.
Rest assured, the Union’s Bargaining Committee will continue to bargain with integrity and in good faith in reaching a fair deal for its members.
In Solidarity,
GVRDEU Bargaining Committee
