| |
|
2007 BARC Bargaining
Bulletin # 2
Negotiations |
November 22, 2007
Last year when Bell Canada ‘sold out’ to Aliant, the Company wanted to extend the existing agreement for another 4 years. When our CEP members in the Atlantic Region reached a deal with Aliant this past summer, the Company contacted Ontario and Quebec to discuss upcoming negotiations. We met September 10th and 11th, once again the Company pursued a contract extension that included concessions. Aliant wanted to delete Article 35, Cost of Living Allowance, they wanted to restrict the Union from filing a common employer application but, more importantly, they refused to reinstate Post Retirement Benefits.
At our joint Bell & BARC Bargaining Caucus held in Toronto on September 18-21, together we finalized a bargaining agenda that included, but was not limited to, proposals on per diems, boot allowance, expanding access to summer vacation, broadening bereavement leave coverage, reinstating PRB’s and NO concessions. When we entered into formal negotiations with Aliant on November 14th, 15th and 16th, they maintained their position to extend the Collective Agreement with an increase in wages over the next four years. Although they withdrew their September demand to prohibit the Union from filing a common employer application, they held steadfast in their position not to pay COLA or address PRB’s.
On the evening of Friday November 16th, 2007, Aliant tabled what they referred to as their “final offer”, which we have attached for your review. Your Bargaining Committee unanimously supports rejection of this Memorandum!
Based on the Bargaining Agenda determined by your proposals, PRB’s are a priority and we will not accept concessions. Clearly Aliant’s position in this Memorandum does not reflect your interests. REJECT THE OFFER!
Your Bargaining Committee is in the process of scheduling meetings to discuss and vote on the Memorandum. We will provide further details once these dates have been finalized. It is our intent that these meetings will be completed in time to have the ballots counted in the Ontario Region Office on Friday December 14, 2007.
In Solidarity,
Your Bargaining Committee
Sitting - left to right - Robert Pelletier, Kim Beemer, Mario Massé, Armand
Maltais
Behind - left to right - Dave Hicks, Alain Morissette, Brent MacMillan, Bill
Cruickshank
|
