March 5, 2019 at 4:00 PM
Membership Proposal meetings were recently held on
February 20-21, 2019, in Toronto. Results from the online bargaining survey were presented to the GTAA membership.
These meetings provided an opportunity for our elected representatives to hear from the members about their key priorities for the next collective agreement.
AND THE BARGAINING SURVEY SAYS ...
The bargaining survey is an essential tool for the Union to determine what issues are important to the members. On January 24 to February 8, 2019, Unifor 2002 conducted a online bargaining survey for the membership to complete and submit.
We received hundreds of completed surveys, this confirms to us, that the membership is determined to play an active role in building their new collective agreement. Results were presented to the membership along with the top ten bargaining priorities submitted by the members.
BARGAINING PRIORITY NUMBER # 1 - PENSION PLAN
It was identified through the surveys that the number one issue for the membership was bargaining a better pension plan. Currently, the majority of the members are on a Defined Contribution plan and members have advised through the surveys they would like to explore a Defined Benefit plan.
Members have expressed that they want their plans to have more value, certainty, and security so they can retire with a decent pension. Having a Defined Benefit pension plan promises the members a set amount of annual pension throughout their retirement.
As a result of membership feedback, the Union held pension seminars on February 20 and 21 for the members which was presented by
CAAT pension plan professionals
(Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology Pension Plan). CAAT representatives gave a overview of their DB Plus pension plan model and how it would benefit the members.
These were just introductory meetings, the Union plans to schedule more meetings with CAAT in the near future. To learn more about the
DB Plus pension plan members can visit
http://www.caatpension.on.ca
A good workplace pension plan is important to our members, and that is why it is our priority at the bargaining table. It also benefits the Company as they can recruit and retain employees.
PREPARING YOUR BARGAINING PACKAGE
Based on the feedback of these meetings, and surveys, your Bargaining Committee will be meeting on
March 5 to 7, 2019, to sort through the proposals and examine the current collective agreement language. The Committee will put together a comprehensive package of proposals both (monetary and non-monetary) that will be submitted to the Company on behalf of the members. The Company will also come to the negotiating table with their proposals for our Committee to review and debate.
Both parties will exchange proposals and will begin the bargaining process on
April 5, 2019. The Union and the Company have blocked off the entire month of May for collective bargaining.
The negotiating process involves a give-and-take approach, rest assured that your Bargaining Committee is working at all times to gain and maintain as much as possible for its members.
Proposals are split into two categories: non-monetary and monetary
Non-monetary proposals are items that will not cost the employer any money. Scheduling, language interpretations, and definitions, discrimination, harassment, seniority, and union representation in meetings, are just some examples.
Monetary proposals encompass items that carry a cost to the employer, for example, wages, pension plans, shift premiums, standby premiums, overtime, vacation, and sick leave credits, etc.
It is important to note; non-monetary items are brought the negotiating table first and any proposals that have a cost associated to it are negotiation last.
KEEPING YOU IN THE LOOP
We'd like to thank you, the membership, for your participation, interaction, and involvement. These membership meetings were very well attended and provided valuable feedback.
We appreciate the trust that you have placed in us and look forward to bargaining the best deal possible for all GTAA members.
YOUR SUPPORT IS OUR STRENGTH
In solidarity,
Your GTAA Bargaining Committee
Antonios Kourteridis, Bargaining Chairperson
Mario Di Nardo, Bargaining Representative - Airside
Peter Piroli, Bargaining Representative - Skilled Trades
Pauline Leloudas, Bargaining Representative - Professional & Support
Adriana Pejkusic, Bargaining Representative - Operations
Tony Brown, Bargaining Representative - Facilities
Ashley Watkins, Assistant to the Local President
Gary Ellis, Unifor National Representative