Collective bargaining update – June 12

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June 12, 2009

The University and CAW Local 555 continued bargaining this week with two significant developments. The University received the union's monetary proposals late Thursday afternoon along with notice from the union that it is applying for conciliation.

“Considering the current economy and the short and long-term impacts the recession will have on the University, we were very surprised at the significant wage increases proposed by the union,” said John Capone, dean of Science and chair of the university's bargaining team. “There is a substantial gap in the two positions. The University proposal ensures that every current union member receives a fair compensation increase in the agreement.”

Capone says, “The University's goal is to reach a fair and equitable agreement that safeguards the promises made to employees on pensions and post-retirement benefits. It must also ensure McMaster's financial sustainability while upholding the promises we make to students.”

The University presented its wage offer at the beginning of May and Capone says having the union wait so long in the process to table its proposals adds significantly more pressure on negotiations as the current contract will expire at midnight this Monday. “Ideally we would have had more time before the contract end date to work through these very important issues.”

While nearly all of the non-monetary issues have been agreed to with only new avenues for training opportunities left to decide, monetary issues which include the wage proposal, pension issues, post-retirement benefits, other cash compensation and the JCQ process are unresolved.

CAW has let the University know that it is applying for early conciliation. The province will appoint a conciliation officer to assist with negotiations.

The University and the union are scheduled to meet Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday next week. The union is holding a membership meeting Tuesday afternoon.

“We hope that all members are able to attend the CAW meeting,” says Capone. “It's important that people keep themselves informed as these critical issues are determined.”