1/24/2018 –

Media Release

January 24, 2018

Toronto – Unifor the union representing almost 5000 clerical workers at Bell Canada in Ontario and Quebec has reached a tentative agreement.

“In this round of negotiations, members united to tell Bell that it was time to start rebuilding respectful relationships and stop the erosion of good union jobs,” said Unifor National President Jerry Dias. “I’m proud of the skill shown by the entire bargaining committee, and the solidarity of members across Ontario and Quebec.”

This was the first set of negotiations between clerical workers represented by the union and Bell Canada since Unifor’s founding in 2013. The tentative agreement is recommended for adoption by the bargaining team. With a tentative deal being reached between the union and the employer, Unifor members will now have the opportunity to vote on the terms of the contract.  Membership meetings and ratification votes will be scheduled in the coming weeks.

“When we started these negotiations, the employer offered proposals that would have continued to worsen clerical workers’ experiences on the job. Through the strength of member mobilizations and a united Unifor bargaining team, a fair agreement was reached to defend thousands of unionized jobs at Bell Canada,” said Renaud Gagne, Unifor Quebec Director.

The Bell clerical workers are represented in Quebec by Unifor Locals 6000, 6001, 6002 and 6003, and in Ontario by Unifor Locals 6004, 6005, 6006, 6007, 6008 and 37. All locals were represented in the bargaining caucus.

http://www.unifor.org/en/take-action/campaigns/bell-its-time-bell-clerical-bargaining

Why did Unifor leave the CLC?

This dispute is about the governance of the Canadian Labour Congress and its failure to prevent attacks on workers from their U.S.-based unions. The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) has rules in place to ensure workers have democratic rights, and that Canadian members of U.S. unions have clear autonomy. Unfortunately, this is not being followed or respected. Unifor is gravely concerned with U.S.-based unions trampling on the rights of workers and has made the decision to disaffiliate.

This exact issue was raised in 2017 when Unifor was vocal about the trusteeship of Local 113 of the ATU. Our union’s opposition is simple: we are opposed to any union that threatens, harasses, intimidates, or silences workers for simply asserting their democratic rights and autonomy. When workers turned to the CLC for support, they have been met by silence, despite Article 26 of the CLC constitution that is suppose to protect the rights of workers in Canada who are members of U.S.-based unions.

FAQ…Read More

theStar…Unifor announces split…

Ontario Members,

We mark the beginning of 2018 with historic changes to Ontario’s labour laws, including the implementation of a $14 minimum wage and free prescription drugs for everyone under 25 which both became reality on January 1.

We fought hard for these victories and I want to thank everyone who made the effort to participate in hearings, attend rallies, and send emails or tweets, as together our voices made a difference.

Now we continue our efforts to make Ontario a better place to work and live as we look ahead to the upcoming provincial budget. Next week Unifor will submit 2018 budget recommendations to the government that focus on policy priorities that will strengthen Ontario’s health care infrastructure, improve the quality of life for families, promote gender equality, create and maintain good jobs and help Canada meet its international climate commitments. These include:

Hospital Care

Unifor calls on the government to stop the P3-privatization of Ontario’s hospitals and for guaranteed annual spending increases of five percent to Ontario’s hospitals.  Our health care system requires stable multi-year hospital funding that will keep pace with inflation, utilization rates, and population growth and ageing.

Long-Term Care

The Government should pass Bill 33 (An Act to Amend the Long-Term Care Homes Act) and implement the Aging with Confidence action plan for Ontario’s seniors, so that staff level reporting is transparent and the standard of care, including 4 hours of care per patient per day, is enforceable.

Pharmacare

Unifor urges the government to make its pharmacare program, currently available to those under 25, universally accessible to all Ontarians.

Child Care

Extend the boundaries of child care ‘transformation framework’ by widening accessibility, increasing flexibility, and reducing cost while defending and enhancing educational quality.

Carbon Pricing (Bill 172)

The Climate Change Action Plan should be strengthened by applying a carbon border adjustment to commodities entering from jurisdictions without a carbon price.  The Green Fund should also be used to finance Just Transition measures.

Those in the Ottawa region are encouraged to share their budget priorities with Premier Wynne in person at a town hall to be held tonight, January 18 at 7 p.m. at The Chamber at Ben Franklin Place, 101 Centrepointe Drive, Ottawa.

The government is also seeking input from Ontarians on initiatives that will receive up to $5 million in funding in the budget. You can vote on suggestions to develop programs to support child care, seniors, mental health, aboriginal youth, and people with autism among others. Visit Ontario.ca/Budgettalks to support your three favourite ideas before 5 p.m., January 26, 2018.

The spring budget is a key opportunity as we head towards the provincial election deadline of June 7, 2018. Now, more than ever, we must continue to push for progressive change and send a clear message that we will not go backwards!

In solidarity,

Naureen Rizvi                                                             

Ontario Regional Director