Early Bargaining Wins for Optima Living Members!
The Union Bargaining Committee met with the Company from September 10th to 12th, and we’re pleased to report that we made some good progress! We were able to get the Company to agree to a number of non-monetary proposals, including:
- More transparency around job postings
- All casual employees — including students — being subject to the same rules
- Shorter times for disciplines persisting in your personnel file, from 2 years to 18 months
Our next dates for negotiations are coming up soon, and we’re looking forward to building on these gains to deliver a better deal for you!
“It’s encouraging to see that the employer has thus far been bargaining efficiently,” said Claire Griffith, Negotiator from UFCW Local 401. “Above all in a time when we’re trying to address an affordability crisis for our members, our Union is eager to see the Company’s monetary proposals.”
“Put simply, in these unprecedented times, our members need improved wages just to survive the current affordability crisis,” agreed President Thomas Hesse of UFCW Local 401. “We commend our Bargaining Committee at Optima Living for all they are doing and will continue to do to stand by our members through this process in order to get them the deal they need.”
“Our Union has a mandate, in every workplace across the province, to bargain aggressively for deals that meet the needs of our members,” added Richelle Stewart, Secretary Treasure of Local 401. “Remember, standing up and asking for what you need does not mean you don’t like your work or respect your employer. It’s simply about make your voice heard as workers, which is absolutely your right.”
We go back into negotiations from October 1st to 3rd. We will keep you updated as the process continues!
In solidarity,
Your Union
UFCW Local 401
Posted on: September 25,2024