Dates have been set for conciliation meetings with the employer and the union for March 10 and 11.
Negotiating Update #2
Sisters and Brothers,
We would like to begin by thanking everyone for participating in the strike vote. You provided the bargaining committee with a strong mandate to take strike action if it is necessary to achieve a fair contract that respects the work we do for the residents of Welland.
As we mentioned in our presentation, the proposals we have seen from the employer so far are very concerning. We met with the employer again after the strike vote and the only conclusion that we can draw from their actions is that they are intent on a labour disruption. They are seeking concessions on many parts of our collective agreement and do not seem interested in actually negotiating. On Thursday, February 18, the employer cancelled negotiations and walked away from the bargaining table. Both parties have decided that the only way to move forward is through conciliation. We should begin meeting with the conciliator in the next few weeks. Hopefully the conciliator will help the city’s negotiating team realize that the purpose of bargaining is not to completely rewrite a collective agreement that has been in place for years.
By moving into conciliation, both parties now have the option to request a no-board, which would trigger a 17-day countdown to a legal strike or lockout date. Our intention at this point is to continue to work on achieving a fair deal at the bargaining table, but we want everyone to be prepared for the possibility that the employer will push for a lockout.
We have reached out to CUPE’s municipal resource team who will provide research and communications support. We will provide more frequent updates as conciliation approaches and as we begin to send a public message to the mayor and council that in the middle of a pandemic, the best course of action for the people of Welland is advise their bargaining team to come to the table prepared to negotiate a fair deal that will keep city services running for the people of Welland.
In solidarity,
Your CUPE 1115 Bargaining Committee
Contract talks break down between union, City of Welland, strike vote authorized
Contract negotiations between CUPE Local 1115 representing inside workers and the City of Welland have broken down.
Success Despite COVID-19
On February 18 at the annual “year-in-review address”, Mayor Campion highlighted Welland’s continued growth and success in 2020.
City of Welland inside workers vote to authorize strike action
On Wednesday February 17, 2021, members of CUPE Local 1115 representing inside workers for the City of Welland voted 92 percent in favour of authorizing the local to take strike action.
Special Meeting – Feb 17
Attention CUPE Local 1115 members. Be advised the negotiating committee has called a special meeting of the membership to be held Wednesday February 17.
Agenda to include:
- Negotiations update
- Strike Committee – member commitment
- Strike Vote
The negotiation committee will provide an update that everyone will want to listen to and provide feedback. This will be one of the most important meetings and members should plan to attend.
Support the municipal workers of Belleville
After 21 days of negotiation between the municipal workers of Belleville, Ontario represented by CUPE Local 907 and the City of Belleville, the Local now says the City has reversed its position on all the items they have agreed upon. The union has filed for a no-board report with the Ministry of Labour starting the countdown for a legal strike or lockout as early as February 22. Support the municipal workers of Belleville represented by CUPE Local 907 by sending a message to the mayor and council encouraging them to negotiate a fair contract:
Call for Strike Committee Members
CUPE Local 1115 is seeking members to serve on the strike committee during contract negotiations. Please email our President ASAP and let him know you’d be willing to serve:
Mark Slade, President – presidentlocal1115@gmail.com
CUPE Local 1115 members support local businesses
CUPE Local 1115 members support the local businesses in the City of Welland. If you are a business owner in Welland and would like to offer a discount to our members and promote your business, we would be happy to list your business on our Member Advantages page of our site. Please contact us for more information.
February 3, 2021 – New Members!
We have sworn in two new members to Local 1115! Please join us in congratulating them!
Mary was sworn in on February 3, 2021. She is the CAD Technician in the Engineering Division at City Hall and has been with the City since January 2020. Please join us in welcoming Mary to our Local. Congratulations, Mary!
Vicki was sworn in on February 3, 2021. She is the Purchasing Agent in the Finance Division at Public Works and has been with the City since November 2020. Please join us in welcoming Vicki to our Local. Congratulations, Vicki!