Bargaining update for CUPE Community Social Service members

BURNABY— The Community Social Services Bargaining Association (CSSBA) bargaining committee tasked with negotiating a new collective agreement for Social Services members met with the employers’ group (CSSEA -Community Social Services Employers' Association) on June 1, 2010.

The parties exchanged feedback on the proposals tabled last week. The government’s CSSEA has tabled a concessionary package that offers no monetary gains.

CSSEA insists it’s being held to the B.C. Liberal government’s ‘net zero’ financial mandate.

Your union bargaining committee is demanding a reversal of concessions from past rounds of bargaining. A decade of cuts to community social services has not helped our clients, you, the employers or the public.

More meetings are planned for the week of June 7.

The CSSBA bargains on behalf of 15,000 unionized community-based social services workers in B.C. Roughly half provide what are called General Services with the other half providing Community Living support service.

Please continue to check the CUPE BC and your Local websites for updates. Support your bargaining committee by writing letters to the editor of your local newspapers, contacting your MLA.

Stickin' with a paycheque for life!

By now, you should have received a 'Welcome' package confirming your enrolment in the Municipal Pension Plan. Check to ensure you have named a beneficiary, either your spouse, estate or another person.

Members who declined to enroll in the pension plan can change their mind at any time. Simply inform your employer. Casual and part-time employees are eligible to enroll in the pension plan in most cases.

The union is strongly encouraging members to stick with the pension plan – a pay cheque for life!

If you have any questions and/or concerns you can reach the bargaining committee through Michael Lanier, President CUPE Local 1936 at cupe1936@telus.net.

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