Langara Bargaining Bulletin #9
Overview - Negotiations between Langara College and CUPE Local 15 commenced May 6, 2010 with the hope of concluding a collective agreement in a timely fashion. This would have been to the benefit of all parties, especially for you, the members!
Unfortunately that has not been the case, and we would like to share with you some of the challenges your Negotiating Committee has faced along the way.
You have heard reference to PSEA (Post Secondary Employers’ Association) and the interference they have exercised along the way during these negotiations. We feel this has been unduly exercised to the point where the Union was forced to file an unfair labour practice against the Employer in November 2010. The reason for that was the College had been notified by the PSEA that they were not to continue negotiations or have any further agreement on matters currently in negotiations, until all agreed to items had been vetted by the Ministry staff. This was outlined in a CUPE 15 bargaining bulletin, dated November 22, 2010.
Since that time the unfair labour practice has been held in abeyance and the parties returned to the bargaining table in December and January. However it started to become very apparent that the parties were still not going to be able to conclude a collective agreement as non monetary items were once again being referenced as a “cost” and the College could not agree to them without approval from the PSEA.
In February the Union applied to the Labour Relations Board for mediation in the hope that with the assistance of a mediator we would be able to conclude a fair and equitable collective agreement for the workers at Langara College.
Debra Cameron was appointed Mediator. Mediator Cameron is familiar with Langara College and CUPE Local 15 as she has mediated settlements between the parties in the past. Her first order of business was to address the issue of trying to find a solution to the fact that the College is unable to agree to anything unless the PSEA agrees to it. The simple issue of sharing joint minutes from the Joint Consultation Committee was a stumbling block!
Mediator Cameron suggested the parties work on a framework for settlement. Both the Union and the College agreed to this process. The Union thought we had managed to accomplish what we believed was a possibility of finding a settlement. However we were to be disappointed again!
A previous Employer response to a Union proposal on the Collective Agreement administration, where the Union and Management would jointly be trained on the meaning of clauses in the collective agreement was suddenly absent from the framework. When we questioned this issue, we were advised yet again that the PSEA would not agree to this.
The final straw for your Negotiating Committee came on March 2nd, when the Employer would not amend a proposal they presented that was clearly a concession to the membership. Stand By and Call Out. The College does not want to allow you to have an uninterrupted vacation and they further do not want to allow you to opt out of being placed on standby!
Your Negotiating Committee has said that is enough!
Mediation was adjourned March 2, 2011.
Your Negotiating Committee has worked very hard in trying to find a settlement that is fair, respectful and benefits all the CUPE Local 15 members at Langara College. Unfortunately the College does not appear interested in living up to its own statements like those made in the Strategic Planning document.
“PEOPLE: Continue to develop career opportunities and a working environment that VALUES and SUPPORTS our current employees and allows Langara to be known as the preferred employer.” Those are not the same words or proposals that are being reflected to the Negotiating Committee at the bargaining table.
It is disappointing that the College appears to be disinterested in following through on one of its key priorities from the strategic plan.
“Enhancing human resources through more effective employee recruiting and retention planning”. Having improved working conditions as well as wages and benefits is a major component to enhancing recruitment and retention as well as respect!
“Langara College has a strong reputation for quality education as indicated by record enrolments in 2009”, as stated by President David Ross.
A ZERO mandate over two years as proposed by the College does nothing to help offset the cost of living increase in Vancouver for our members; inflation in Vancouver is currently running at 2.4%.
Your Negotiating Committee needs your support to allow your voices to be heard at the bargaining table.
You deserve to be compensated fairly and with the same respect you show to this fine institution. Everyone is proud to be part of Langara College, and Langara College should be proud to have such dedicated staff.
The College needs to show you respect at the bargaining table and not allow the PSEA to interfere any longer in your negotiations. Langara College has the right to do that, and they need to stop hiding behind the PSEA.
We want a contract and we want it NOW!
Negotiations may need to be escalated in the very near future and your Negotiating Committee will need your support to do that!
Show your support and sign up to be part of our Strategic Organizing Committee which is being put in place to enhance our communication network and ensure that ALL members are part of achieving a successful and fair collective agreement for all CUPE Local 15 members at Langara College.
In solidarity,
Kathie Currie
Staff Representative
On behalf of your Negotiating Committee: Bob Loitz, Zeljka Loncaric, Reba Noel, Chrissy Poulos, Ken Schmunk, Jim Wong and Emma Somers (College Sector Representative)
bas.CEP L467-UW
