Collective Agreements

Advantages of Collective Bargaining

Local 1000A members benefit from some of the best contract provisions negotiated into collective agreements. The specific provisions of each collective agreement vary from one agreement to another, but here are a just a few advantages that Local 1000A members share through their collective agreement coverage:

• Sick leave with pay
• Superior wages, benefits and vacations
• Protection from unjust dismissal, layoffs or discipline
  
• Secure hours and job
  
• Grievance and arbitration procedures
  
• Representation for workers' compensation appeals and return to work issues
  
• Support to make workplaces hazard-free
  
• Representatives whose legal responsibility it is to work for and uphold your interests
  

Process of Collective Bargaining

Collective bargaining is a complex and legal procedure which demands that negotiators be aggressive and skilled in getting the best possible deal for their members. At the same time, they must respect and uphold the labour law that governs the process.

A collective agreement is a legal and binding document. Terms vary from one agreement to another, but each Local 1000A member should have a copy of his or her own agreement. This is the contract that sets out employer obligations and the terms and conditions of employment for all workers covered by the agreement.

Before negotiations between the union and employer begin, the Local sets up proposal meetings so members can discuss and determine what terms and conditions they want to concentrate on during negotiations. Once those priorities are set, the negotiating committee studies the proposals and drafts the demands the union will take to the bargaining table.

The negotiating committee is appointed by the executive board and is made up of rank and file members, service representatives and union negotiators.

Negotiations continue until either the union or employer decides that no further change will be achieved at the bargaining table. Workers vote on management's 'last' offer. Sometimes, these so-called ratification votes and strike votes are held on the same ballot. However, union members are not allowed to strike before their union meets conciliation requirements under the Ontario Labour Relations Act. Workplace parties also have access to voluntary mediation services at any time after that.

If a majority of workers (50 per cent plus one) vote to accept the terms of the tentative agreement, the agreement is ratified, becomes legal and binding until it expires.