Collective bargaining update

The University's bargaining team and CAW Local 555 have been negotiating a new collective agreement.

Since negotiations began April 24, the teams have met on ten separate occasions and have made significant progress. Agreement has been reached on approximately two-thirds of the articles that make up the contract.

John Capone, dean of Science and chair of the University's bargaining team says the progress made to date lays the groundwork for focusing on the remaining key issues.

“The tone of the discussions with the CAW has been positive and productive. Together, we've been able to sign off on a significant portion of the agreement. However, we're now focusing on a number of key issues. These include ensuring sustainable pension and retirement plans for every CAW member, addressing the need for appropriate contributions to fund the Salaried Pension Plan, addressing the issue of post retirement benefits, addressing the issues resulting from the Joint Job Evaluation System, and securing a fair monetary agreement.”

Negotiating sessions are scheduled for this week. The current contract expires at midnight of June 15.

“Our focus continues to be on reaching a fair and equitable agreement that allows the University to keep the promises made to existing employees on pensions and Post Retirement Benefits, while strengthening McMaster's financial sustainability as we deal with a damaging recession and its long-term implications,” Capone says.

The two parties have scheduled additional talks for June 10,11, 15,16 and 17 and Capone expects those sessions will be necessary before a final agreement can be reached.

The University is also negotiating a first collective agreement with CUPE, which was certified in May of 2008 to represent post doctoral fellows. The two sides have met 22 times since October, and while agreement has been reached on many issues, a few outstanding issues remain.

Post doctoral fellows (PDFs) are members of the research community who have completed their PhDs and are preparing for academic and research careers. McMaster is well-respected around the world for its research excellence. Many PDFs come to McMaster on short-term PDF contracts because of the groundbreaking research undertaken by faculty and to broaden their own experience as members of these world-renowned research teams.

Negotiations are scheduled again for June 9. The union has applied for conciliation which is a normal part of the bargaining process. The parties are scheduled to meet with the conciliation officer on June 16 and 17.