Collective bargaining update – August 19, 2009

The University and CAW return to the bargaining table today to continue negotiations for a renewed collective agreement for McMaster's 2200 support staff.

Outstanding issues include the administration of the job evaluation system, rates of pay, and transition to new pension and post-retirement benefit plans for future employees only.

The University's proposal includes take home pay increases for all CAW members and makes no changes to the Defined Benefit Pension Plan and post-retirement benefit plan for current employees. McMaster is proposing to maintain the current job evaluation plan including the existing criteria for job evaluations. The administration of the plan would be streamlined with the University evaluating jobs and a new joint CAW/University grievance procedure with the option of third party binding arbitration.

The provincially appointed conciliator will assist with negotiations which are scheduled for today, tomorrow and August 31.