GSS Multi-Employer Locals 056 & 057 Bargaining Committee disappointed and frustrated by lack of monetary package
EDMONTON – AUPE Bargaining Committee members for GSS Locals 056 and 057 expressed their frustration and disappointment today at the employer’s failure to deliver a monetary package at previously agreed to dates.
“We expected to receive a comprehensive monetary package this week, but the employer has indicated they are unable to table a complete proposal at this time,” said AUPE Staff Negotiator Malcolm McNaughton.
“The Bargaining Committee expects to see a full, comprehensive monetary package at our next set of meeting dates, May 22 and 23,” he added. Additional bargaining meetings have been scheduled for May 27 and 28.
The committee has formally proposed general wage increases in each year of the agreement, plus market adjustments.
“There needs to be recognition on a province-wide basis of the important role general support workers play in the health care field,” said McNaughton.
Local 056 and 057 Bargaining Committee members are encouraging others in the bargaining unit to stay involved in negotiations by reading the bulletin boards, attending Local meetings, and contacting the committee by e-mail with any comments or concerns.
Local 056 and 057 represents approximately 5,000 General Support Services members employed by four different health regions: Aspen, Peace Country, David Thompson and East Central.
Status of all articles discussed to date:
The AUPE Bargaining Committee has formally proposed general wage increases in each year of the agreement, plus market adjustments. The Committee has signed off on Articles 21 and 31 with no changes.
The status of the remaining articles is outlined below:
Art. 1 Term of Agreement – open
Art. 2 Definitions – open
Art. 3 Union Recognition – open
Art. 4 Application – open
Art. 5 Dues Deduction – signed off
Art. 6 Management Rights – open
Art. 7 No Discrimination – open
Art. 8 Staff Development and Meetings – open
Art. 9 Probationary Period – open
Art. 10 Seniority – signed off
Art. 11 Performance Appraisals – open
Art. 12 Job Postings, Transfers and Promotions – signed off
Art. 13 Job Classifications – open; Union has proposed language to allow access to the grievance procedure
Art. 14 Hours of Work – agreed to in principle; addresses posting of shift schedules and additional shifts
Art. 15 Overtime – open
Art. 16 Salaries – open
Art. 17 Recognition of Previous Experience – signed off
Art. 18 Pyramiding – open
Art. 19 Shift Differential – open; Union proposes $2.75/hour for majority of shift (15:00 to 23:00) and $5.00/hour for majority of shift (23:00 to 07:00)
Art. 20 Weekend Premium – open; Union proposes $3.00/hour
Art. 22 On-Call Duty/Call-Back – open; Union proposes on-call increases to $3.30/hour for scheduled days of work and $4.50/hour for days off and Named Holidays
Art. 23 Casual and Temporary Employees – open
Art. 24 Transportation – open; Union proposes increase to $0.48/km, to increase if Government rates increase
Art. 25 Named Holidays – open; Union proposes addition of Easter Monday
Art. 26 Vacations – open; Union proposes improvements to vacation entitlements.
Art. 27 Employee Benefits Plan – open; Union proposes improvements to Health Care Plans
Art. 28 Sick Leave – signed off
Art. 29 Worker’s Compensation – open
Art. 30 Leave of Absence – open; Union proposes increase to five days bereavement and three days travel; Union proposes four family leave days with no loss of earnings
Art. 32 Pension Plan – open; Union proposes 2% LAPP (pension) enhancement, post-retirement benefits and retirement allowance
Art. 33 Layoff and Recall – agreed in principle to clarify displacement process
Art. 34 Discipline and Dismissal – signed off
Art. 35 Occupational Health and Safety – open
Art. 36 Grievance Procedure – open
Art. 37 Union Stewards – open
Art. 38 EMAC – open
Art. 39 Uniforms – open; Union proposes $125.00 for required safety footwear
Art. 40 Resignation – signed off
Art. 41 Job Description – open
New Article – EI Premium Reductions – signed off
New LOU – Education Bursaries and Return Service – signed off
New LOU – Mutual Agreement to Adjust FTEs – signed off
Union has tabled additional positions on the following:
LOU re: AB Health Care Insurance – Language to end employee deductions on Jan. 1, 2009
LOU re: Severance – Union proposes to amend language to 52 weeks as a result of any organizational change
LOU re: Prepaid Health Benefits
Local 056 & 057 Bargaining Committee Contacts
Local 056 members:
Jim Colter
Peace Country Health
QE ll Hospital
780-402-4404
jrcolter@telus.net
Bev Hargrove
Aspen RHA
Cold Lake Health Centre
780-594-0164
Lois Skarsen
Aspen RHA
CHS Cold Lake
780-639-2196
Local 057 members:
Gina Hoffman
David Thompson Health Region
Centennial Centre
403-783-5712
tkg1844@hotmail.com
Barney Craig
David Thompson Health Region
Red Deer Regional Hospital
403-352-4429
bccraig5@telus.net
Reg Hilts
David Thompson Health Region
Drayton Valley Hospital
780-542-3937
rhilts@telus.net
Malcolm McNaughton
AUPE Staff Negotiator
1-800-232-7284 EXT: 3352
m.mcnaughton@aupe.org