Intensive Negotiations Begin February 22
Starting on Tuesday, February 22, 2011 the negotiating committees will begin intensive negotiations at a hotel in Ottawa. The decision to enter into intensive negotiations was taken after a week when CPC finally started to address some of the Union’s preoccupations. Although there have been no major breakthroughs there has been indications of potential movement. With little more than two months remaining until the parties obtain the right to strike and lockout the Union’s negotiating committee is determined to do everything possible to negotiate a collective agreement that meets our needs.
Moving negotiations to the hotel, instead of continuing at CPC headquarters, will enable us to focus our energies, hold more meetings, both internally and with the employer and also increase our contact with the conciliator who will also be working out of the hotel.
The Employer Is Watching You
In negotiations the employer representatives may be talking to your negotiating committee but they are also closely watching and listening to the membership so they can evaluate the strength of the membership and the support for the Union’s demands. Negotiations are about power. Even the best prepared and most capable Union negotiating committee cannot do it on their own. They need you to convince the employer to take us seriously.
Show Them Where You Stand
There are many ways you can play a role in the current negotiations.
- Participate in your local activities during the Union’s upcoming Day of Action.
- Read the Union’s communications and talk to your fellow members.
- If, as expected, we have to conduct a strike vote in early April, attend the meeting and encourage all of your co-workers to do likewise.
- If you have any questions or concerns be sure to ask your shop steward or local executive. An informed membership is a strong membership.
- Send your Negotiating Committee a message of support.
Let’s stick together and obtain a contract that provides respect, equality and a share of the benefits of automation.
In Solidarity,
Denis Lemelin
National President and Chief Negotiator