This Bargaining Update was provided at the CRPEG AGM of October 20, 2021 over Zoom
Hello CRPEG members
To recap the negotiations began with the Company in December 2020. A number of bargaining sessions took place over the winter and spring 2021. From the very beginning the Company was informed of your priorities; a fair wage in relation to the industry and remote work provisions that recognized the full cost of setting up and maintaining a home office. Unfortunately the Company offered an unacceptably low wage increase and remote work compensation. Your bargaining team is exasperated with the Company’s continued lack of recognition of the professional work of CRPEG members.
This is the third round of negotiations where member’s salaries have been the most important issue on the table. The 2016 round, the Company recognized that CRPEG members were underpaid as compared to the market, but because the Company was new, they were financially unable to raise the wages more than 1.5% at that time. In the 2018 round, again the Company recognized the salaries were under par, but the pay increase offer was not acceptable. It was only after a strong strike vote was completed did the Company raise the offer to 2% per year.
The outstanding issues still on the bargaining table include; limiting the use on non-continuing personnel, remote work compensation, ability to cash out excess vacation, leave for family related matters, wages and premiums.
Next steps are twofold; mediation and member engagement. The bargaining team will be back at the bargaining table on November 9, 10 & 11, 2021. With the help of the mediator, the above issues will be tackled with the goal of reaching a deal. At the same time, CRPEG members will be showing the Company that they stand with their bargaining team and are there to support them.
Volunteers Needed
If you would like to join a dynamic team of CRPEG supporters please contact your Executive at crpeg_executive@pipsc.ca. Some of the activities planned are coffee & donuts member appreciation day, an activity in the community (TDB), setting up a phone tree to call colleagues to provide updates and a round table on the pros and cons of remote work. Other ideas are welcome. Volunteers will receive some fantastic CRPEG swag. Also please ensure that you do not miss any updates by verifying your contact information is up-to-date with the Institute at https://pipsc.ca/member-tools/find-your-membership-number.
Thank you and in solidarity
The CRPEG Bargaining Team