➤ If I don’t vote is that an automatic “yes” vote?
No. Ratification of a tentative agreement is decided by the members who vote. Not voting doesn’t count.
➤ Will we get retro pay?
Hopefully. The bargaining team is advocating for retro pay but the retroactive pay is subject to negotiation for any hours worked after May 31, 2018.
➤ What happens now that the first two tentative agreements (TA’s) did not pass?
Your bargaining team continues negotiating with the AGC. There is currently an extension through July 7 – members working under this contract will continue to work under the terms of the current contract until a new contract is ratified. Wages and benefits will remain the… Read More
➤ What goes on behind closed doors? What does the negotiation process look like?
The negotiations process goes something like this: Opening Letters are sent to bargaining parties Bargaining Team members are recommended by the locals (these are tool-wearing carpenters, not staff from the council) Survey of members Review of Survey The survey process asks specific questions and also gives… Read More
➤ Why aren’t members more included in the negotiation process?
Members participated in a contract survey. Close to double the number of members participated in the survey this time around. The bargaining committee studies the survey results closely prior to bargaining. The regional council distributed t-shirts to encourage a show of solidarity among the members…. Read More
➤ Why doesn’t the Union listen to the members?
The negotiating committee reviewed 3,000 surveys before crafting its first proposal, where most of the major issues were covered. Members cited “parking” and “pension” as two major factors in voting down the first TA The Committee listened and addressed both issues in TA #2 though… Read More
➤ Some Brothers and Sisters want us to strike. Won’t a strike get us the best package possible?
A strike can be a useful tool when used appropriately. We have gone on strike in this council in the past. However, when a solid wage and benefit package is on the table a strike is not an appropriate option. There is no guarantee that… Read More
➤ How is the bargaining team selected? What perks do they get?
The bargaining team is recommended by the president of each local in the bargaining unit. The only perk is the privilege of serving their fellow members in bargaining. They work hard, meet often, take time off work, plus numerous evening meetings and calls.