The Bargaining team met with the Employer and the Conciliation Office on May 28th and addressed issues that were raised after the tentative agreement was rejected in March. The main issues addressed were wages and retroactivity.

The employer proposed a shorter term collective agreement and a wage grid with fewer steps until employees reached the top of the grid. The Union countered addressing the wage inequity for more senior employees.

The Face of Poverty…it’s at your local Lifelabs

Prior to the Conciliation date the Union increased pressure on the employer, Warren (Smokey) Thomas, President of OPSEU, sent a letter to Lifelabs CEO Sue Paish. The Union also took out a half page ad in the Brantford Expositor addressing some of the members concerns (i.e. low wages).

The Employer noted our increased campaign activity and raised some concerns about it. The Union indicated that the OPSEU members in this bargaining unit are important and we will do what is needed to get a successful collective agreement.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this long process to get our first Collective agreement.

The parties will be meeting again on June 18th and more updates will follow.

In solidarity your Bargaining Team;
Leasa Leclair
Maria Lee
Christine Wells