July 24, 2007
During our meeting July 16-20th we discussed all the bargaining demands in some detail. We spent a considerable amount of time discussing the MOAs, revising language and moving them into the agreement, and signed off on some of them. We also proposed titles for all that remained.
We were successful in negotiating an agreement on language around several articles, these include 18.03c – compensation for travel, 25.06b – expenses and allowances, MOA#6, MOA#8, MOA#14 and a letter of understanding regarding the DI cap.
We spent a considerable amount of time on the various employment equity and anti-racism demands as well as terms of reference and a mandate for the Regional JEECs, and have developed a comprehensive package which will be sent to the Joint Employment Equity Committee for review prior to being added to the collective agreement.
We held some exploratory talks on all the monetary items and the employer made their position clear on some of them CULE then responded with our positions on some of the key items. The employer has informed us that they will table a comprehensive package at our next meeting, scheduled for the last week of August, in Ottawa. At that time we will also be meeting with Coughlin who will provide a report on the status of our Retiree Benefit Plan.
We held a brief conference call with AEU and UES early in the week to coordinate our bargaining strategy – the AEU forwarded us the faxes received in Ottawa last week and we truly appreciate your support.
In Solidarity,
Your Bargaining Team