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TEAM MEMO
To:         TEAM-IFPTE Local 161 Members
From:     TEAM Office
Date:      July 09, 2019
Re:        Negotiations Update

Negotiations with Bell Canada continued June 28^th, July 4^th and 5^th. 

On June 28^th a delegation of three TEAM members, representing managers who supervise craft employees, presented the group’s concerns regarding the business impact of Bell’s proposal to reduce the Craft Supervisors’ hours of work from 8 hours to 7.5 hours per day.  Our Negotiating Committee appreciates the delegation’s expertise and willingness to contribute to the process.  We understand that their concerns were heard by Bell senior management. 

On July 4^th and 5^th negotiations took place with the aid of the conciliator. 

A number of matters have been agreed to in principle but are not yet signed off.  There are still major proposals outstanding, including a pay increase that acknowledges the hard work you put into your job under difficult circumstances and increasing workloads, and that considers the rising cost of living (Manitoba’s CPI was 2.5% in 2018). 

On Friday evening the parties mutually agreed to extend the conciliation process, moving the last day before we enter the 21 day cooling off period from July 5^th to July 19^th.  The conciliation/mediation timeline is now: 

• July 19:  The last day of conciliation, unless extended by mutual agreement.

• July 20 to August 9:  Should the parties fail to reach an agreement through conciliation, a 21 day cooling off period begins, during which time the Minister of Labour can appoint a mediator.  At the end of the cooling off period the parties are in a legal strike/lockout position.

• August 10 to August 13:  72 hour notice is required prior to the commencement of a strike or lockout.  A union must have taken a strike vote before initiating any strike action.

The next conciliation dates are tentatively scheduled for July 16^th and 17^th. 

We appreciate your patience and support throughout this process.  Your colleagues at the negotiating table, the office staff, and legal counsel are working diligently to bring you a deal that we can recommend.  If you or a group of your co-workers wish to meet over coffee to discuss negotiations, please contact the TEAM office: [email protected], 204-984-9470.

TEAM-IFPTE Local 161
204-984-9470 or 1-877-984-9470
www.teamunion.mb.ca
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