To all members of the combined Holland College Early Years and Admin support bargaining unit,
As we move into the holiday season, and approach the end of the calendar year, I feel it is pertinent and prudent to provide you an update on bargaining, as the office has received inquires and it was most recently brought to the attention of the union at the last Local 17 meeting.
Bargaining commenced July 2, 2024, and your bargaining committee felt optimistic as the parties were able to reach consensus on some articles quickly which provided your bargaining team with the belief that a complete deal was possible.
The parties continued to bargain in September 2024, but unfortunately the parties arrived at an impasse on some key areas.
In review of the requests from the membership, the key proposals for this round of bargaining centered on (1) returning strong wage increases, and (2) ensuring members from the Early Years Centre receive collective agreement benefits better aligned with those set out in the Admin and Support collective agreement pursuant to the Labour Board merger application that was not contested by the Employer.
As the parties have different positions on these issues, the decision was for the parties to pause negotiations and review and reevaluate to consider their options.
Within the last two weeks, there has been written communication between the parties, with a return to the negotiating table and continue bargaining. PEI UPSE is hopeful the Employer has reevaluated its position, and the parties can resume meaningful and productive bargaining.
We will be contacting the Employer to schedule these new dates and hope to provide you an update on our next scheduled bargaining dates soon.
Thank you for your continued patience, and your support of the bargaining committee, as we continue to press for a better deal for all members.
Sincerely
Karen Jackson
President of Prince Edward Island Union of Public Sector Employees (PEI UPSE)