We have some important updates to share regarding our ongoing negotiations with the College Employer Council (CEC).
As you may know, Bill 124, which capped our wages at 1%, was struck down as unconstitutional in November 2022. This development means that our re-opener clause is now in effect.
The CEC and our College of Applied Arts and Technology Support Full-Time (CAAT-S FT) Bargaining Team are scheduled to return to the bargaining table on July 11, 2023, along with our mediator, William Kaplan. Our team has been diligently preparing to negotiate a fairer agreement for all our members.
We are all deeply concerned about the rising cost of living and how it is becoming increasingly difficult to afford basic necessities. We understand that a 1% wage increase is not sufficient given the escalating costs of food and other basics like rent.
We also acknowledge that there is a need for better provisions for mental health support and the ability to step in and provide care for our families.
We have been loud and clear on the importance of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and the necessity to actively engage in Reconciliation with our Indigenous communities, and we are committed to addressing these issues in our negotiations.
So, how can we help our team negotiate a better wage re-opener deal?
Here are a few ways:
- Wear Blue on Tuesday July 11 to show support on campus, working from home, or on vacation.
- Send pictures of you and your co-workers to this email: caatsftbargaining@opseu.org
- Share pictures with your local president, and on social media with the hashtags #BlueForCAATS #OPSEUSEFPO
- Send a letter to your College President letting them know that you expect the Colleges to come to the table ready to negotiate a fair deal
