October 23, 2008
Statistical Survey Operations Bargaining Units
SSO-FI Negotiations
The bargaining team for the SSO Field Interviewers resumed negotiations with the Employer for three days during the week of October 13, 2008 -- the first session since early June.
We discussed the Union's proposals for improved and updated anti-harassment language and for comprehensive health and safety language. We also explained for the second time why we are proposing to change our title to the more respectful “Data Collection Officers,” a title that more accurately reflects the duties of the position. Once again we explained our position on Joint Consultation and we presented new language on pensions and T2200s.
Your team was extremely disappointed by the Employer's continued insistence that the anti-harassment directive contained in the Employee Handbook is adequate and that it is unnecessary to add language to the Collective Agreement. Sadly, Management does not seem to recognize the many levels of harassment, bullying, and abuse of authority that occur in the workplace on a continuing basis. Moreover, management doesn't seem to comprehend that employees who experience harassment may not be comfortable confiding in either of the three managers whom the Employer has unilaterally appointed as Harassment Prevention Officers.
The language we proposed on Health and Safety reflects existing legislation or current practice and is designed to protect employees who are working alone and putting themselves at risk on a daily basis. Unfortunately, the Employer did not see fit to respond and neither agreed to any of our proposed language nor offered any counter-proposals. Health and Safety issues are paramount -- we assure you we have no intention of withdrawing our proposals.
The Employer also did not respond to our demand to change our title. With respect to the proposal on Joint Consultation, the Employer said that the demand is not properly at the table because it deals with the terms of references for union-management committee meetings. We feel, however, that it is important for Field Interviewers across the country have the same right to preparation and debriefing time and the same compensation for their work on these committees.
We also tabled language that would require the Employer to provide regular and ongoing seminars on pensions and retirement to employees. Management agrees that communications addressing this subject have been less than adequate and we are hoping for a positive response when we meet again. You can expect to receive some basic information about the pension plan in the near future.
Finally, on the issue of providing T2200s, the Employer committed to seeking another opinion from the Canada Revenue Agency with respect to our rights to the tax credit.
Future bargaining dates will be established in conjunction with the RO negotiating committee.
In solidarity,
Your Bargaining Committee
Geraldine Fortin, Atlantic Region
Mary Anne Walker, Central Region and Regional Vice-President, National Component
Donna Henry, Western Region
Elisabeth Woods, Research Officer
Gail Lem, PSAC Negotiator
Date Modified : 2010/07/29
