On August 25-27, our Negotiating Team met with management representatives to continue negotiations for a new collective agreement. As was the case in June, the parties’ proposals focused primarily on non-economic matters. We will be tabling wage and other economic proposals later in the process once we receive payroll data from the Employer. 

Over the course of the three days we made progress in some areas, such as union representatives’ access to the workplace, better health and safety measures and sick leave accrual for new hires. 

We also over the course of the three days reached a Memorandum of Understanding providing for new shifts – including four-day work weeks – to be created in Paint Line in the Winnipeg Plant. Our MOU provides for the creation of new permanent jobs, protects the shifts of all current Paint Line employees and ensured current Paint Line employees have priority by seniority to bid on the shifts. 

However, despite this progress we remain in dispute with the Mint in a number of critical areas. 

The Mint is proposing to expand temporary employment, as well as the expansion of part-time and student employment. We have rejected these proposals. Our Bargaining Team believes in as much full-time work as possible with maximum access to benefits and pension. 

We have also made proposals to enhance job security for union members and union work at both plants, proposals the Mint has rejected. We will continue to fight to protect our jobs and our work. 

We are in the process of setting additional dates. If you have questions contact a member of our Negotiating Team: Chris Hobbs and Jason Lapointe.