Ornge bargaining a slow and frustrating process

Ornge bargaining a slow and frustrating process

March 12, 2013 at 2:53 PM

Since bargaining commenced on November 19, 2012, the CAW has met with the company on eight separate occasions. The bargaining process is proceeding at a slow fashion due to the number of concessionary proposals tabled by Ornge. The company has targeted areas such as: hours of work including rest periods, sick leave, overtime, vacation, personal days, self-funded leave, training on days off and the elimination of performance bonuses. 

The bargaining committee has from the beginning tried to deal with some of the contentious issues raised by the employer.  Yet when we discuss in length the application of those issues and processes, we clearly become aware the employer has no understanding in terms of what they really want.    Your bargaining committee is frustrated as we notice the landscape changes from one day to the next as the employer continuously changes their approach and priorities on issues.

On March 8, the bargaining committee requested that the company identify the articles in the collective agreement that they have no interest in changing. Both parties are in agreement that those articles will not change.

Bargaining will recommence on April 8. We will continue to keep you updated as the process unfolds.

In solidarity,

Your Ornge Bargaining Committee:
Chuck Telky, Chairperson and Bargaining Representative
Dan Lefebvre, Northern Bargaining Representative
Mike Chad - Southern Bargaining Representative
Ron Smith, CAW Director of Transportation
Ashley Watkins,  Local 2002 Executive Assistant