Resources - CUPE 4207

Here is a chronological overview of the steps in the collective bargaining process:
Step 1: Preliminary Consultation & Research
Step 2: Election of the Bargaining Committee & Bargaining Support Committee
Step 3: The Bargaining Survey
Step 4: Serving the Employer with a Notice to Bargain
Step 5: Formulation of Bargaining Priorities
Step 6: Bargaining with Employer (This step can be very long)
Step 7: The Strike Mandate Vote
Step 8: Conciliation/Mediation
Step 9: Job Action (Strike or Lockout)

What is a Collective Agreement? A collective agreement is a written contract of employment covering a group of employees who are represented by a trade union. This agreement contains provisions governing the terms and conditions of employment. It also contains the rights, privileges and duties of the employer (Brock), the trade union (CUPE 4207) and the employees (ie: Unit 1= Instructors, TAs, Graders, Lab Demonstrators).

What does Collective Bargaining mean? Collective bargaining is a process where the local and management come together (typically every 2-3 years) to renegotiate the terms and rules of work as laid out in the collective agreement. The over-arching timeline, and certain ground rules for negotiations, are set out by the province in the Labour Relations Act.

What is a Bargaining Committee? The bargaining committee (or the “bargaining team”) is made up of members who are elected at a general membership meeting and are assisted by staff and executive members (the number of members depends on the Unit. Unit 1 = four; Unit 2= three). They are the union’s representatives at the bargaining table and develop members’ demands into bargaining proposals that the union will bring forward into negotiations.

What is a Bargaining Survey? The bargaining survey is a digital questionnaire sent to all members of the bargaining unit via email. It asks the members of that unit about their work experiences and the workplace issues that matter most to them. The results of the survey have the single largest impact on the formation of the bargaining proposals, the things the local hopes to win in this round of bargaining. The survey results are the voice of the membership.

Recognition of Territory

On behalf of CUPE 4207, I would like to begin by acknowledging and honouring the ancestors of those on whose traditional lands we gather today. Brock University is located on the traditional beaver hunting grounds; a shared territory of the Anishnaabe (Aw-nishi-naw-bay), Haudenosaunee (Haw-den-oh-show-nee), and other nations. Today, we welcome and acknowledge all Indigenous Peoples who have joined us including First Nation, Métis, and Inuit, and we also welcome members of settler society.

Equality Statement

Union solidarity is based on the principle that union members are equal and deserve mutual respect at all levels. Any behaviour that creates conflict prevents us from working together to strengthen our union.

As unionists, mutual respect, cooperation and understanding are our goals. We should neither condone nor tolerate behaviour that undermines the dignity or self-esteem of any individual or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.

Discriminatory speech or conduct which is racist, sexist, transphobic or homophobic hurts and thereby divides us. So too, does discrimination on the basis of ability, age, class, religion, language and ethnic origin.

Sometimes discrimination takes the form of harassment. Harassment means using real or perceived power to abuse, devalue or humiliate. Harassment should not be treated as a joke. The uneasiness and resentment that it creates are not feelings that help us grow as a union.

Discrimination and harassment focus on characteristics that make us different; and they reduce our capacity to work together on shared concerns such as decent wages, safe working conditions, and justice in the workplace, society and in our union.

CUPE’s policies and practices must reflect our commitment to equality. Members, staff and elected officers must be mindful that all persons deserve dignity, equality and respect.