Negotiations
Local 500 members vote on new collective agreement with City of Winnipeg
What are contract negotiations?
Contract negotiations are at the very heart of what a union does and is. The union contract determines the wages, benefits and working conditions that members have; it is the concrete outcome of the union's efforts to improve the lives of its members.
How negotiations work
The contract is negotiated between management and the union. Each side sends a committee to the bargaining table. Preparations for negotiations begin months before the old contract expires. What the union asks for at the bargaining table is determined by the input members give when they are asked what they would like to see in the next contract. During negotiations, the union bargaining committee reports back to members on their progress. When each side has reached a tentative agreement and the negotiating committee thinks that it's the best contract offer they can achieve, the members will get to vote on whether to accept the contract.
Winning strong contracts
The key to winning good contracts is a strong union, and the key to a strong union is an informed, active membership. This is one reason why it's important for all members of Local 500 to support the bargaining committee during contract negotiations.
Need more information?
If any member requires more information in regards to a collective agreement matter, please contact a shop steward in your area, a member of your Unit Executive or your CUPE National Representative.
For general information about negotiations, please contact the Local 500 office at 942-1001 or email us at union@cupe500.mb.ca.
