Author: Kamil Malek

Dear CRPEG Members,

We’re writing to provide you with an update on the recent round of negotiations between our union and the company.

The company provided their responses to our administrative proposals. CRPEG team reviewed and crafted a well-considered counterproposal. These exchanges are crucial as we work towards mutually beneficial agreements.

Engaging discussions were at the heart of this session. We delved into various topics, exploring real-world scenarios and carefully weighing options. 

In addition to addressing specific proposals, we took the opportunity to deliver a presentation regarding change in the Canada Labour Code related to time off in lieu of overtime, reasonable expenses, and break time. While we did not propose a specific resolution at this time, we brought this important matter to their attention and addressed any questions they had.

In regard to hours of work, it’s such an important issue that you will be invited to participate in a survey to help us develop a solution. We will be drafting a resolution based on your input, gathered through the survey.

Negotiations demand considerable effort to ensure fair and appropriate outcomes. Future negotiation sessions are scheduled for April, May, June and July. We continue to advocate for your rights and interests.

As always, we value your input. Please share your comments, questions, or feedback with us at crpeg_negotiations@pipsc.ca

Thank you for your continued support!

In solidarity,

Your Negotiations Team

Dear CRPEG members,

We would like to update you on the negotiations held with the company from January 30 to February 1, 2024. During this negotiation session, both the company and the union presented their responses to the administrative proposals exchanged earlier. Administrative proposals address improvements, clarifications, and errors in the collective agreement. Subsequently, each party carefully studied the presented responses, took time for analysis, made necessary changes, and responded accordingly.

Throughout the discussions, a number of items were agreed upon. Certain items have been tabled for further discussion in the upcoming sessions. Notably, we had a fulsome discussion with the company on the dispute resolution process, exploring avenues to improve the process.

The negotiations are progressing smoothly, and the next session is scheduled for February 26-28, 2024. We anticipate continuing to foster productive and collaborative sessions in the future.

Should you have any questions or require further clarification regarding the negotiations, please do not hesitate to contact us at crpeg_negotations@pipsc.ca.

In solidarity,

Your Negotiations Team

Hello CRPEG members,

Your CRPEG Negotiations Team met a number of times over the spring, summer and fall to prepare for the next round of negotiations. Your current collective agreement will expire on December 31^st, 2023. Your team is using the results of the member survey of spring 2023 to formulate the list of priorities and proposals. Some of the priorities that were identified are the current cost of living, scale and merit increases, remote work conditions, vacation, promotions, benefits and leave.

The team met on November 9 with the Company for one day to exchange proposals. Negotiation meetings have been scheduled with the company for December and January 2024. Future negotiation dates will be scheduled in the New Year.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact the negotiations team via the following email address: crpeg_negotiations@pipsc.ca

In solidarity,

Your Negotiations Team

A tentative agreement was reached on March 9, 2022. Your Bargaining Team is remaining neutral on the ratification, neither to accept nor to reject the tentative agreement. 

It is important that you take the time to review everything prior to voting and prior to asking questions to the Bargaining Team. You will find all the information here. 

Should you require more information, the details will be presented:

• At an in-person meeting at the Lion’s Hall on March 21. Doors will open at 5:45 PM. The presentation will start at 6:00 PM and will be simultaneously broadcasted through Zoom. There will be a questions and answers session. RSVP for in-person or Zoom.
• At a second virtual-only meeting on March 22 at 5:30 PM through Zoom. There will be a questions and answers session. RSVP for Zoom.

If you are planning to attend the in-person meeting at the Lion’s Hall, please RSVP by Friday, March 18 at 3:00 PM as there is limited space. Based on the RSVPs, pizza and drinks will be provided.

All members will receive voting instructions and a voting key by March 21. If you have not received your voting key by end of day March 21, please contact Natalie Bélanger at nbelanger@pipsc.ca. Voting will start on March 22 at 9:00 AM. In order for your vote to be counted, your electronic voting key must be used by 12:00 PM on March 24.

A YES vote means that you accept all the proposed changes to the collective agreement. 

A NO vote means that you reject the tentative agreement and you reaffirm the CRPEG strike vote.

The results will be posted and emailed as soon as they are available.

On behalf of your CRPEG bargaining team, we thank you for your continued interest. 

On February 7, 2022, we entered into three days of conciliation with CNL. 

We would like to thank the appointed conciliation officer for his help. We came to the table ready to negotiate with a strong mandate for job action, in hopes of pressuring the company to finally make a fair offer. 

We did not reach a deal. 

The company made a marginal increase to their offer, but nowhere near what our professional members deserve. We have communicated to the company that their offer is not acceptable. The conciliation period ends on February 20, and the bargaining team stands ready to discuss a fair and reasonable offer with the company when they provide one. 

We recognize the uncertainty and frustration that negotiations bring. Now more than ever, we need to stand united and continue to fight for fair pay for our professional work.  

Our team will be meeting in the coming days to discuss our next steps given our mandate for job action, and how we’ll continue to build pressure to get the deal that you deserve. 

We’ll be in touch as soon as possible with an update and how you can get involved. 

In solidarity, 

Jonathan Fitzpatrick 
On behalf of your CRPEG bargaining team

OVERWHELMING STRIKE SUPPORT

On January 26 & 27 CRPEG held special Zoom meetings to discuss negotiations of our collective agreement. All terms of CRPEG’s issues and CNL’s meager offer were shared with the members. The CRPEG negotiations team is now at a standstill with CNL and heading to conciliation on February 7, 8 and 9, 2022.

A strike vote was held by electronic ballot, and the vote was open from February 1 to February 3. Our members have cast the strongest ever majority vote in favour of taking workplace action, up to and including strike action, if a tentative agreement cannot be reached.

The last strike vote taken by the CRPEG membership was in December 2018. That positive strike vote and hard work done by your bargaining team with the support of the members resulted in achieving the last contract. With strong member support, a strong strike vote and the bargaining team’s strong resolve to succeed, there is a possibility of reaching a fair and competitive contract that recognizes the membership’s professional work.

Please see attached CRPEG bargaining update flyer. If you have any comments or concerns please contact your CRPEG bargaining team.