MDA workers ratify new agreements; Workers at Community Living Ontario join CUPE
Federal operations workers ratify new contract
OTTAWA — Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) members in the operational services bargaining unit voted in favour of their collective agreement on Oct. 5.
The unit represents almost 10,000 federal public service workers. The new collective agreement covers the 2018- 2021 period and provides fair wages, no concessions and improved working conditions, says the union.
“Thanks to their hard work and the solidarity shown by thousands of members across the country, we were able to negotiate a fair deal,” says Chris Aylward, PSAC national president. “We’re now in a strong position to build on these improvements in the next round of bargaining.”
In the coming weeks, PSAC will meet with Treasury Board representatives to sign the new collective agreement. With the exception of monetary provisions, which are retroactive, new contract terms come into effect on the date of signing, says the union.
The employer has 180 days from the signing of the contract to implement wage increases, wage adjustments and allowances. As explained in the ratification kits, in view of this extended implementation timeline, PSAC negotiated a $500 lump-sum payment into all contracts, says PSAC.
MDA workers ratify new agreements
BRAMPTON, Ont. — Workers at Unifor, Local 673 and Local 112 members ratified new collective agreements with MDA on Sept. 30 securing significant improvements in several areas including: wages, benefits, pensions, and sick days.
“Our members working in a variety of analytical, technical, administrative and other supporting roles contribute so much to make this cutting edge facility successful and it is important that we secured these vital improvements to compensation and working conditions in this round of bargaining,” says Maryellen McIlmoyle, president of Unifor Local 673.
Under the new collective agreements, employees will receive wage increases of seven per cent over the life of the three-year agreement including cost-of-living allowance in the first year. Gains were made to vision care, and language was improved as were provisions for special severance. Members’ short- and long-term disability plan was also improved as was the DB pension plan which was increased by $2 per month per year of service, says the union.
Unifor represents 28 members at MDA. Both locals ratified the agreements by 78 per cent and 100 per cent respectively. Employees at MDA support the design and manufacturing of advanced robotics, sensors, and payloads for industries including Canada’s contribution to international space exploration and research.
Workers at Community Living Ontario join CUPE
TORONTO — Workers at Community Living Ontario — a provincial association focused on advocating for the inclusion of individuals who have a developmental disability — joined the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) on Oct. 2.
“This group is a natural fit with CUPE, and this decision will provide a means to resolve issues and build a better workplace for everyone,” says Kristy Davidson, a CUPE representative who helped the workers during the drive. “A workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and heard, is a more effective workplace, and that’s important for people whose job is to support and advocate for individuals with disabilities.”
The workers approached CUPE to create change in their workplace, including creating a means to have open discussions with their employer without fear of reprisal. They also raised concerns about discrimination, inadequate training, and a lack of transparency in the workplace, says the union.
