GTAA: Our strength is our membership!

GTAA: Our strength is our membership!

February 15, 2013 at 2:00 PM

LEADERSHIP MEETING
  

On February 14, 2013, the GTAA bargaining committee met at Local 2002 headquarters in Toronto in order to strategize for 2013 negotiations. Bringing a wealth of experience to the table were the newly elected vice-chairpersons including Cally Connell, Jeff Hatt, Antonia, Grabowski Rob Santo, Frank Scalise and Lars Sorensen. Each committee member had an opportunity to speak about their role in the union and their level of commitment to bargain a new collective agreement that is advantageous to the membership. The vice-chairpersons contributed immeasurably to the discussions and committed their support to the bargaining committee throughout the negotiation process.

In her opening remarks, Local 2002 President Jamie Ross emphasized the three components of bargaining: negotiations at the table, clear and consistent communication throughout the process and effective mobilization of the membership. Communication Co-ordinator Delia Gaskill gave a presentation on "How To Get The Message Across" and Mobilization Co-ordinator Sean Smith commended GTAA workers on their obvious ability to work co-operatively as he spoke of mobilization initiatives.

"When the membership and leadership are mobilized as one, they are a force to be reckoned with," commented Local 2002 President Jamie Ross. "After observing the determination and professionalism of this group, I am confident that they will achieve their goals at the bargaining table."

After presenting an overview of the bargaining process, Local 2002 Executive Assistant Ashley Watkins introduced Shane Wark - CAW National Representative. Wark offered a comprehensive explanation of the lockout/strike process and the multiple steps that are required through the Canadian Relations Industrial Board (CIRB) before either party (GTAA or CAW) can proceed with any formal action.

  

AND THE SURVEY SAYS
  

On February 13, 2013 your Bargaining Committee tabulated the results of the surveys and compiled the preliminary proposals from the membership. We received hundreds of completed surveys, confirming what the committee suspected; the membership of the GTAA is determined to play an active role in constructing their collective agreement.

  

NEXT STEPS
  

Proposal meetings will be held with the membership on February 21, 25 and 28, 2013 to discuss the results of the surveys, clarify contractual priorities and garner any additional requirements from the membership in attendance. Your opinions are important to us - please plan to attend the proposal meetings and have your say about your contract.

The bargaining committee will meet again from March 4 to 7 to scrutinize the language of the current collective agreement in order to determine any other issues that may need to be addressed.

The culmination of these steps: surveys, proposal meetings and language examination, formulate the bargaining committee’s mandate which determines the proposals that the union will submit to the company. Both parties will exchange proposals on March 25 and bargaining will commence April 29, 2013.


GTAA PROPOSAL MEETINGS

  • Feb 21 : T3 Pyramid Room A & B 1330 - 1530

  • Feb 25 : T1 TCAT Room 1330 - 1530

  • Feb 28 : Admin Building, Pearson A / B 1330 - 1530

  

In Solidarity,

Your GTAA Bargaining Committee,
Scott Bowers – Bargaining Representative
Lana Delic-Bridger – Bargaining Representative
Tim Haxhiaj – Bargaining Representative
Antonios Kourteridis – Bargaining Representative
Pauline Leloudas – Bargaining Representative
Ata Ugursoy – Bargaining Chairperson
Ashley Watkins – CAW Local 2002 Executive Assistant
Shane Wark – CAW National Representative


Our strength is our membership! Click here to view CAW-GTAA Bargaining Connect - Issue 2 (PDF)

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