Friends,

We are pleased to provide this first update regarding bargaining for the renewal of your 2021-2023 collective agreement. We commit to keeping you informed and to provide an opportunity for input from start to finish. We believe your input is vital to a successful outcome.

We met on Tuesday, June 6 and Thursday, June 8 to choose a Bargaining Committee Chairperson and to start preparing for bargaining. By unanimous agreement, we chose Christina Petrina as the Bargaining Committee Chairperson. Christina will play a key role in ensuring that there is two-way communication between the Bargaining Committee and members. Please join us in congratulating Christina on her appointment.

Our first task is to survey the members about what they think should be changed in the collective agreement. This will be a paper survey handed out by Christina, Simon or Take during the days and times listed below. They will also be available to answer any questions during those same dates and times.
 

Your completed survey will need to be deposited into the sealed box at 119 Front Desk by 5:00 p.m., Thursday, June 29, 2023.

The collated survey results will be the first step in the development of bargaining proposals. Individual responses will not be publicized.

We are excited to begin this work on your behalf and look forward to receiving your feedback. Unfortunately, however, it seems that rumours are already circulating about statements that members of the bargaining committee have apparently made. We want to be clear. Nothing has been decided. Please double-check anything you hear by asking a member of the bargaining committee.

In closing, we are aware that the Employer’s latest Harbour Light Update advises that it hopes to get to the bargaining table in June, July, or August. We share the Employer’s desire to obtain a tentative settlement quicker than last time as we believe such a lengthy delay doesn’t serve the members, Union, or Employer. But a desire to achieve a tentative settlement in shorter period of time will not be at the expense of the members.

If you know a BCGEU member who didn’t receive this bulletin, please forward it to them. If you are a BCGEU member who didn’t receive the bulletin directly, please update your email address with your Union by logging into the Member Portal here.

In Solidarity,

Christina Petrina, Bargaining Committee Chairperson
Take Mori, Bargaining Committee
Simon Rosengarten, Bargaining Committee
Megan Cawood, Servicing Rep
Zoe Towle, Spokesperson, Negotiations
 

Download PDF of notice here

UWU/MoveUP