BC Hydro & Powertech – Bargaining Update #9 – HOLDING STRONG FOR A FAIR COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT

We wanted to send you a quick update on where we stand as we continue to work towards a strong and fair collective agreement for you.

While we continue at the bargaining table, the IBEW’s recent breakdown in their negotiations has added some extra challenges for us to manoeuvre. But know that our bargaining committee remains strong, united, and fully committed to securing the best possible collective agreement for you.

We will fight to protect your rights and hard-earned benefits, while at the same time we stand in solidarity with fellow union members at the IBEW. As we continue in our negotiations with your employer, we are also participating in the essential service mediation in anticipation of IBEW members taking job action.

Our latest bargaining updates:

• We met with your employer from February 23-25, and have further meetings scheduled for March 31 and April 1.
• The employer’s proposals demonstrate a clear unwillingness to negotiate meaningful improvements to your benefits and entitlements under the collective agreement. They are attempting to erode your agreement and take away the rights you have earned and deserved.
• Union Representative Mike Novak and Vice President Rysa Kronebusch have been involved in the Essential Services Level mediation as it relates to the IBEW’s impasse. All parties involved will resume mediation on essential service levels on March 30.
• Should IBEW take job action, we will inform you of your rights and responsibilities, as well as what departments may be directly affected and which of our members may be required to remain on the job. We will also provide updates on the MoveUP Member Portal in the resources tab.

*If you require instructions on how to access and setup your portal account please click here. We kindly ask that you also take the time to update your current mailing address, telephone number and personal email address on the portal. 

Here’s the bottom line. The Employer’s proposals seek solely to cut out hard-fought for benefits and entitlements from the Collective Agreement. The Union’s proposals seek to improve your working conditions, your wages and open career opportunities within our bargaining unit. Our response to the Employer is unequivocally clear: You deserve a fair deal.

Thank you for your ongoing support as we work towards a strong and fair collective agreement for you.

In solidarity,

Your Bargaining Committee:

Anderson Charles, Executive Board Member
Kim McInroy, Executive Board Member
Andrea McKenna, Executive Board Member
Kelly Cammack, Executive Councillor
Carol Brown, Executive Councillor
Luc Vail, Executive Councillor
Mike Novak, Union Representative
Rysa Kronebusch, Vice-President, Utilities

File Number: 26-BCH-BARG-BLTN-Bargaining-Update-9-Holding-Strong-for-a-fair-Collective-Agreement-March-12

Union Label: MN:km/usw2009

Reply to: kmallory@moveuptogether.ca