In December, CUPE’s National Executive Board adopted a renewed policy on collective bargaining.
“Across the country, governments are taking aim at public sector workers. We’re seeing more aggressive moves from employers, especially when it comes to two-tier proposals and concessions,” said CUPE National President Mark Hancock. “Our revised policy renews our commitment to protect collective agreement rights, to resist demands for concessions and two-tier contract provisions, and to defend every worker’s right to free collective bargaining.”
In Saskatchewan, many CUPE locals are facing a challenging bargaining climate. Earlier this week, a letter sent to public sector unions saying the government expects a 3.5 per cent rollback in boards and agencies, school divisions, health regions, the post-secondary education sector, and government departments. The government has suggested rollbacks could come in the form of unpaid holidays or a direct wage rollback.
“This policy is a blueprint for solidarity, to ensure CUPE locals and members have the support they need to stand together during bargaining so we can always bargain forward, not backwards,” added Hancock. “We’re going to give locals the tools they need to fight back against concessions and two-tier proposals.”
The renewed policy outlines three areas CUPE wants to tackle:
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Fighting back against concessions and two-tiered contacts;
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Taking action on precarious work; and
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Strengthening protection against workplace violence.
“As always, CUPE National will continue to be there with you in your bargaining fights, and we have the financial resources to back you up and win,” said Charles Fleury, CUPE National Secretary-Treasurer.