The University and CAW returned to the bargaining table this week 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.

In an update from the bargaining team on Thursday to employees who are members of the CAW, Local 555 Unit 1 bargaining unit, the team said, “We have been searching for ways forward that provide a fair and equitable agreement and that also provide a timely solution in the face of the September 1st strike date that was requested by the union.”

The University has now tabled its Final Offer of Settlement. The 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. It also offers staff the opportunity to be involved in the process, and introduces the option to have a third party arbitrator decide the outcome.

The bargaining team memo went on to say, “The decision to table the University's Final Offer was not made lightly. We hope that it will be carefully reviewed and accepted by the CAW bargaining team. We will be available to meet with the union at anytime as we move towards the scheduled August 31 bargaining date to help to clarify any questions or address any issues the union may have.”