The University and the Building Union of Canada (BUC) have reached a new collective agreement after a year of bargaining. BUC represents 254 operations, maintenance and cleaning staff at McMaster.

The entire contract, except for two items, was agreed to during bargaining and with the assistance of a provincial mediator. The union and University  agreed to have the two remaining issues settled by an arbitrator during a hearing next month. The two outstanding issues are wages and benefit co-pay rates for some employees.

The University’s goal was to reach a competitive and fair collective agreement and it is confident the arbitration process will result in a contract that meets this goal.

During the negotiations BUC made a number of allegations against McMaster. The Union now agrees the University acted in good faith throughout the process. It has withdrawn all charges of unfair labour practices.

The arbitrator will consider the remaining issues during a hearing on December 18^th. The new agreement will run through September, 2018.