President's Message

Congratulations!

Tentative deal reached in CAAT S thanks to the hard work of the members
 

September 5, 2008

OPSEU members in the college support staff weren’t able to get much of a break this summer.

But their hard work paid off as the bargaining unit celebrated Labour Day with a new tentative collective agreement.

Thanks to a strong strike vote in July, and due to the non-stop activity of the members in support of the bargaining team’s efforts, the support staff bargaining team was able to negotiate substantial wage and benefit improvements.

In a three-year agreement, taking effect Sept. 1, 2008, support staff at the 24 colleges will receive a deal that means nearly four per cent in the first year, and three per cent in each of the next two, a big gain from what members were offered before the vote!

What’s more, they agreed on groundbreaking language on bullying and harassment. This language is vital and will deal with behaviour that could be regarded as intimidating, offensive, degrading or humiliating. Having this language will also help prevent behaviour that affects the dignity, psychological integrity, physical integrity of members and harmful work environments.

The deal was by no means certain. Just a few hours away from a possible strike date of Sept. 1, negotiators were still at the table.

But the OPSEU team was able to find creative solutions and get the improvements members asked for without having to resort to picket lines.

Congratulations to the bargaining team, the mobilizers and all the members for getting the best possible deal.

In solidarity,

Warren (Smokey) Thomas

President