Job action started at 9:30am this morning. The employer and the Union have released emails to our members and have been interviewed by 93.3 the peak. I also did a phone interview with the Times Colonist (not sure if they interviewed the employer). We also rolled out our newspaper ads, radio ads, and mailouts. These are not negotiating specific but are more to make the taxpayers aware of who we are and what we do.
The following is some information that you can share with family and friends when they ask what is going on. If you are approached by the public for answers, use this as a guide and don’t go “on the record” for anyone. You can redirect them to Norm Fudge or Brandon Colclough while I am away. I will be available for further comments on Feb 12th.
CUPE 118 Conversation Guide: Talking to Friends and Family about Job Action
Starting any job action is a significant step, and your friends and family might have questions
about what it means and why you’re doing it. Here’s a guide to help you explain the situation:
1. What Is an Overtime Ban?
An overtime ban means workers are no longer taking on additional hours beyond their
regular schedules.
It’s a legal form of job action that allows workers to push for progress at the bargaining
table while continuing to perform their regular duties.
2. How Will This Affect Services?
Standard service levels will continue to be maintained, and we remain committed to
serving the community.
However, tasks that typically rely on overtime may be delayed.
3. Why Are Workers Taking This Step?
We’ve been negotiating for months, but several of our key issues remain unresolved.
Workers are frustrated with the lack of progress and believe this action is necessary to
encourage meaningful discussions with the employer.
Our goal is to reach a fair deal that recognizes the value of the work we do and
addresses the challenges we face, like the rising cost of living while also ensuring
improved services for residents and businesses.
4. How Can Friends and Family Support You?
Listen and Understand: Take some time to hear why this matters to us and what we’re
trying to achieve.
Show Solidarity: Voice your support for municipal workers in conversations with others,
or by attending any events or solidarity actions we organize.
Be Patient: Understand that we’re taking this step to help move negotiations forward,
and we hope for a resolution as soon as possible.
5. What Are the Key Outstanding Issues?
There are two key issues that remain unresolved:
1. A Fair Wage Increase:
o We’re asking for a wage increase in line with other regional settlements.
o Workers are facing rising costs for housing, groceries, and everyday essentials,
and fair wages are necessary to keep up with the high cost of living.
2. A Job Review Process:
o We want to implement a job review process that considers the evolving demands
of workers roles and ensures that job classifications are fair and accurate.
o This process would help ensure that workers are properly recognized and
compensated for their contributions, which also improves services for the
community.
o The employer has committed to market adjustments for a few positions, but we
are seeking a job review process to look at extending market wage adjustments
to a wider range of jobs.
6. Can I Expect Further Job Action?
At this time, the overtime ban is the only job action being implemented.
Our hope is that this step will prompt meaningful progress at the bargaining table,
making further actions unnecessary.
However, if negotiations stall or the employer continues to delay addressing key issues,
additional job action may be considered.
Any decisions about further job action will be communicated clearly and with as much
notice as possible.
Once again, thankyou for your support of the negotiating committee and patience as we continue to move forward fighting for a fair deal for all workers.