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Message from OPSEU/SEFPO’s President and First Vice-President/Treasurer
Our deepest thanks goes out to all of you for your work on the frontlines of this pandemic. The public is relying on access to a safe, reliable blood supply now more than ever. As essential frontline workers, you’ve shown Ontarians your dedication and professionalism, and earned their massive respect and support. That respect must be shown by your employer as well, for the valuable role you’ve played in keeping our healthcare system running under extreme pressure.
Bargaining is never easy, but our union is experienced and stronger than ever – you’ve got the full support of OPSEU/SEFPO’s 180,000 members every step of the way.
In solidarity,
Warren (Smokey) Thomas, President
Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida, First Vice-President/Treasurer
Message from Bargaining Team Chair
It’s because of the hard work, dedication, and skill of every single CBS worker that Ontario has access to the safe blood supply that people need in their most vulnerable times. The work we do saves lives every day. We do our work with professionalism, compassion, care, and consideration for every person who walks through CBS’s doors, and we deserve to be treated with respect by this employer for that. Respect for our skill, our safety, our value.
Your bargaining team will be fighting hard for improvements to our Collective Agreement that reflect our value and contributions to the safe, high-quality blood supply that Ontario relies on.
Sincerely,
Geoff Cain, Bargaining Team Chair
Driver Review Update
As reported in the Sector 19 December Newsletter, the ongoing Driver Review that came out of the last round of bargaining to address the Driver Pay Rate was being referred to Arbitration. The parties were not able to agree on the appropriate wage rate for the position.
Hearing dates were held on May 10 and May 27, 2021 with arbitrator Matthew Wilson.
Your Union committee put forward strong arguments advocating that the Driver Wage Rate should be increased. We are pleased to report that the arbitrator has issued an Award that provides the Drivers a well-deserved increase.
Here is a summary of the award:
The Driver wage grid, as of June 1, 2021, will be as follows (this represents a $1.25 increase at each step in the grid):
Initial: $23.8800
Year 1: $24.7100
Year 2: $25.5300
Year 3: $26.3500
Year 4: $27.1800
Year 5: $27.9300
Year 6: $28.6900
- All Drivers will receive retro payments based on hours paid for the period of June 1, 2020 to May 31, 2021 (one year of retro).
- The Union cannot table a Special Case Wage Increase for Drivers in the next round of bargaining. Any bargained General Wage Increase will apply to the Driver Position.
- Any increase in duties and responsibilities of the Drivers has now been appropriately compensated with the new wage rate. The arbitrator has dismissed any grievances filed by the Union alleging improper assignment of duties.
We know this was a long drawn out process and we thank all Drivers for their patience. We have succeeded in getting this additional increase along with one year of retro dating back to June 1, 2020.
Bargaining Update: Bargaining theme & dates
The theme for this round of bargaining is RESPECT. Respect for your skill, safety, and value. Respect for all CBS workers, because you deserve it.
Your bargaining team and alternates to the bargaining team met on May 17 to review the Local Demand Sets, and again on May 18 and 25 to prepare for bargaining.
We are well equipped to tackle the critical issues that you have identified.
Bargaining dates have been scheduled for June 8, 10, 23, 24.
What’s Next: Solidarity Actions
As part of OPSEU/SEFPO’s efforts to build solidarity during bargaining, Local Presidents and Highest Ranking members will soon receive CBS lanyards in the mail.
We ask you to wear the lanyards, take pictures and post them to the sector’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CBSworkers/.
Please stay tuned for an email as to when we would like everyone to participate in this show of solidarity.
In addition, locals will be receiving posters to put up on your union boards.
Support your bargaining team and spread the word that CBS workers demand respect. Because of you, Ontario can trust that their blood supply is safe and reliable.
Thank you for all that you do and for supporting your bargaining team.
In solidarity,
Geoff Cain (Local 160): Bargaining Team Chair
[email protected]
Jennifer Johnson (Local 5103): Bargaining Team Vice-Chair
[email protected]
Alberto Alvaro (Local 200)
[email protected]
Gloria Blanchard (Local 210)
[email protected]
Sean Allen (Local 477)
[email protected]