|
|
What Services And Benefits Can I Expect?
The first and foremost service provided by the Union is the negotiation of your collective agreement. Each time
your contract comes up for renewal, you the member will have the opportunity to suggest changes. You will elect
a negotiating committee who will represent you at the bargaining table. Once the Committee has achieved the best
deal available they will take this deal back to you, the member, for ratification. This simply means you vote to
accept or reject the deal. If the majority of members vote to accept, a new contract will be signed. If the majority
vote to reject, then back to the bargaining table.
Once the agreement is put in place, the Union must then work hard to ensure all provisions are being respected by
management. In support of this, you have local representatives, a full time Business Manager and/or Business Agent
and/or representative to assist you in interpreting and enforcing the various aspects of the contract.
When disputes arise, you have recourse under the "Grievance Procedure". This procedure is set up to facilitate the
processing of legitimate grievances. If your grievance cannot be resolved then it may be submitted to arbitration.
This is a "lay person's court" which enables both sides to state their version of the facts and have an independent
person(s) interpret these facts in accordance with the collective agreement. If your grievance is upheld, the
Arbitrator has the authority to order the employer to make restitution. If your grievance is denied, then the
employer's decision has been upheld.
The Union offers yearly educational opportunities that will train and educate members so that they may serve as
shop stewards, Executive Members or as Committee Members.
Education Bursaries are presented annually to selected members' children or grandchildren who
are attending post-secondary schools.
|
