Our bargaining team met and exchanged proposals with the employer on February 24.  We have officially begun the process of obtaining a collective agreement to improve our working conditions.

We have agreed that the starting point for negotiations is the existing Post-doctoral fellows’ collective agreement. We are now bargaining for rights specific to our group which differ from those of the PDFs.  All of our proposals are made to modify that agreement to reflect and improve your working conditions.

The first set of proposals that your Union put on the table can be found below.  These first proposals don’t include everything – for example, we have not yet put a wage proposal on the table.   Once we have made progress on other issues, we will then focus on monetary issues including wages and other benefits.  Here is a brief summary of the issues that we will be looking to address:

• Fair wage increases for all members
• Improved job security
• Additional access to professional development opportunities

We have set a number of dates to continue negotiations.  We will be meeting the employer again through March and April.  We will be sending out an update like this after every time we meet to negotiate. 

Getting a first collective agreement is a long road.  We are happy to take these first steps and we will continue to keep you informed throughout the process.  Please contact your bargaining team if you have any questions or concerns.  Our Local’s email is PSAC40004@gmail.com

Your bargaining team:

Lorne Doig

Joanne Ernest

Hai-Ying Yuan

Seth Sazant, PSAC negotiator