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
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Feb 25 : T1 TCAT Room 1330 - 1530
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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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