Bargaining Update #3 - Bargaining underway with the City of Winnipeg
March 19, 2021 at 2:07 PM
Negotiations between Local 500 and the City of Winnipeg are underway! Proposals were exchanged on March 10 and we have been meeting with the employer to walk through and clarify the intent behind the proposed changes.
We can report that progress has been made on some issues and we have tentatively agreed to some minor changes to articles in the agreement. So, far negotiations are cordial and we continue to have meaningful discussions. We remain optimistic that talks will continue to be productive.
On March 18, the Union’s negotiating committee met to discuss information presented by the employer and to prepare our response. Both sides are scheduled to meet again on March 23 and 24.
Members Identify Important Issues and Priorities
The proposals developed by the Union’s Negotiating Committee are based on the membership priorities identified in the bargaining survey conducted in October 2020. The top priorities in this round of negotiations are:
- Wages
- Job Security/Contracting Out
- Benefit Improvements
- Sick Leave/Vacation Days
These priorities will help guide your bargaining committee during contract negotiations. This doesn’t mean we won’t be bargaining other aspects of the collective agreement. Our goal is to reach a fair and reasonable collective agreement that meets the priorities of our members.
Sub-Committees
In addition to bargaining in full committee, sub-committees will be formed to meet and deal with specific issues. Normally, two or three representatives from both the Union and City’s negotiating committee are assigned to sub-committees.
Rumours
The rumour mill will be hard at work during bargaining. Please don’t believe anything you hear unless it comes from the Union. If you have a serious concern about something you’ve heard, contact us at 204-942-1001 or send us an email: union@cupe500.mb.ca.
Watch for more information
Your bargaining committee will keep you informed as progress is made. As a reminder, because of the sensitive nature of negotiations, the bargaining committee is not able to give you a step-by-step explanation of everything that is discussed during the bargaining process. However, should we reach a settlement or impasse, members will be fully informed.
Members should continue to check the bulletin boards or visit the Local 500 website for updates. Remember, if you have personal email access, you can sign up to receive email updates on the home page of the Local’s website at cupe500.mb.ca.
Thank you for your continued support.
Negotiating Committee
The negotiating committee for CUPE Local 500 is:
Gord Delbridge, President, CUPE Local 500
Carmen Prefontaine, Acting President, Civic Services Unit
Phil Dembicki, Acting President, Community Services Unit
Nicholas McClurg, President, Public Works Unit
Madelaine Dwyer, President, Water and Waste Unit
Rebecca Scott, Member at Large
Jon Shalapata, Member at Large
Alex McClurg, CUPE National Staff Representative
Kevin Carswell, CUPE National Staff Representative
Dale Edmunds, CUPE National Staff Representative
Karen Byzuk, Local 500 Special Assignments Officer
