Bulletin
FortisBC-CSC– Bargaining Update #16
July 12, 2023
To: All MoveUP members at FortisBC-CSC
Since our bulletin dated June 9, 2023, which confirmed the ratification of your collective agreement, we have received questions from members around the implementation of the new agreement, particularly Article #21: Benefits, and LOU #4: Alternate Work Location. We are writing to provide clarification about these two items.
As stated in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) found here.
During collective bargaining the parties recognized that the implementation of the collective agreement will take some time as there are numerous changes to operational matters that need to be addressed.
Article #21: Benefits
It is understood that changes related to sick leave and benefits will be implemented as soon as feasibly possible, this is dependent on the benefit insurer (Manulife). These increased benefits are not retroactive, and the anticipated date is the end of August. Further communication will be sent out as the information becomes available.
LOU #4: Alternate Work Location
During bargaining the parties agreed that the employer would annually report their expected operational capacity to support Alternate Work Location arrangements for each year. Operational capacity is the company’s ability to administer the workforce from locations other than FortisBC worksites and is determined based on considerations such as the availability of equipment, business needs, administrative capacity, and associated costs.
Although the parties agreed that most MoveUP CSC classifications will become eligible to participate in the Alternate Work Location Program, the total number of participants in any given year is subject to the operational capacity identified by the company, which may vary from year to year.
On July 7, 2023, the company provided the union with their operational capacity for the remainder of 2023; this has been identified as 75 participants. In order for the company to secure equipment, work through eligibility criteria, and develop the hybrid work schedule, the program is expected to roll out in October.
As per the MOU, an Alternate Work Location committee has been struck to identify and resolve issues with the program on an ongoing basis. The company has appointed Sarah Nelson, Brooklyne Maligaspe, and Amar Mangat, with Kira Bennett and Jenn Stokes as alternates. The union has appointed Lori Holford, Edgar Ruiz-Ambrosy, Deanna Wintemute, and Paul Voykin. The committee is expected to meet before the end of the month.
In solidarity,
Your Bargaining Committee:
Myra McIntosh, Executive Councillor
Colleen Rayner, Executive Councillor
Norm Stickelmann, Executive Board Member
Paul Voykin, Union Representative
April Young, Union Representative