The members of your Bargaining committee are preparing for bargaining. We attended the Ontario Council of Hospital Unions (OCHU) bargaining convention from November 14th to 17th.
At this conference we reviewed the results of the bargaining survey. We heard from many guest speakers who spoke about the financial state of the Ontario and Federal Governments, the history and how we arrived at the Collective agreements we now have, and the facts regarding the possibility of a change of government in Ontario in June 2018. We also learned about benefit packages, and the similarities and differences between each of the hospitals.
After a great deal of discussion we voted on the priorities that we will take into this round of central bargaining. At this time we cannot disclose what the priorities are publically but we listened to what the members said in the survey and have a plan to bargain to for the items that CUPE members across the province told us were the most important. If you wish to see the bargaining priorities please speak to one of the executive and they will be able to show you the document.
One thing that we can tell you is, OCHU/CUPE voted unanimously for NO CONCESSIONS and NO two tier bargaining. What we bargain for our members with the most seniority is also for our newest members.