The University and CAW Local 555 begin negotiations on a renewed collective  agreement today. The CAW represents about 2200 support and technical staff at  McMaster. Formal proposals were exchanged this morning with discussions scheduled  to continue later this week. Negotiating dates are also confirmed through the summer  and into the fall.

“This is the beginning of the normal negotiation process,” says Ken Coley, chair of the  University’s bargaining committee and associate dean of engineering.

“The current agreement ends August 31 so we are well in advance of that date. CAW  members perform important work that is valued by the University. The bargaining  committee will be working to reach a fair agreement that recognizes these  contributions, while strengthening McMaster for the long-term,” Coley says.