Bargaining conference sets priorities for upcoming Provincial Health Care Negotiations
January 22, 2012 at 8:39 PM
Members of the Provincial Health Care Council (PHCC) bargaining committee in Manitoba, came together on January 16 – 18 to discuss and identify CUPE's bargaining priorities for the upcoming round of negotiations.
As you are aware, the current contract expires on March 31, 2012 and the PHCC has been working very hard to prepare for what we believe, will be a difficult round of bargaining.
The purpose of the bargaining conference was to discuss and debate the many proposals sent in by the locals of the bargaining unit. This input is critical in assisting the PHCC bargaining team to draft and approve the final package that will be tabled.
This does not mean that all the proposals are guaranteed or that we will get everything contained in the package. The PHCC and the Health Care Servicing Representative will work very diligently to get the best deal possible. Of course, the details of the deliberations are confidential and cannot be released to the membership at this time to avoid undermining the bargaining strategy. The bargaining committee will share what they can with the Locals as directed by the HealthCare Servicing Representatives.
As previously stated, we are anticipating a tough round of bargaining given the financial state of our economy, and the recent settlements experienced by other Government bargaining groups.
Motions were also heard regarding changes to the Recruitment, Retention and Education (RRE) Fund. These changes will be sent out to the Locals.
We also wish to announce that Local 500 member Val Sobiak, was elected as the new chairperson for the PHCC. Congratulations Val!
More information and updates will be provided once bargaining begins.
