Negotiations for the Urban and RSMC units – We’re getting ready!

While we are all busy conducting the “Save Canada Post” campaign, participating in activities around the next federal election and finalizing preparations for our National Convention in May, we cannot forget about the upcoming negotiations. 

DISCUSSION PAPER ADOPTED BY THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD

At its meeting held from February 24 to 27, 2015, the NEB adopted a discussion paper for the upcoming negotiations. This time, there will only be one document for both negotiations. Both rounds will be conducted simultaneously, which had been our objective. This will strengthen our balance of power against Canada Post. The RSMC collective agreement will expire on December 31, 2015, and the urban collective agreement, on January 31, 2016. So, it’s time we get the ball rolling.

Locals must hold general membership meetings to review the discussion paper as soon as possible, but no later than the end of April, to be able to submit resolutions for the regional conferences that will take place next June.

THE NEB HAS SELECTED THE TWO CHIEF NEGOTIATORS

At its February meeting, the NEB also selected both chief negotiators. 

RSMC UNIT: BROTHER GEORGE FLORESCO

Brother Floresco is the 3^rd National Vice-President. He is responsible, among other things, for external organizing and has been a member of the National Executive Board since 2002. He led the RSMC organizing campaign and served as lead hand for the rural group in the 2003 round of negotiations that led to voluntary recognition for RSMCs and a first collective agreement. He was also Chief Negotiator for the first reopener, in 2006.

URBAN UNIT: BROTHER SYLVAIN LAPOINTE

Brother Lapointe is the National Director for the Metro-Montreal Region and has been a member of the National Executive Board since 2011. He worked as a technical assistant for the 1994 and 1997-99 round of negotiations. As National Grievance Officer, he helped finalize the 2000 collective agreement and served as negotiator for the 2006-07 and 2010-12 rounds of negotiations. Brother Lapointe has an extensive knowledge of the urban unit collective agreement and the arbitration process. 

WE WILL SOON BE SELECTING BOTH NEGOTIATING COMMITTEES

We also have to appoint the two negotiating committees, in accordance with our National Constitution. A notice to that effect will be sent out in the next few days outlining the qualifications required to sit on either committee.

SO LET’S ROLL UP OUR SLEEVES AND GET READY!

THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES.