January 2007

2007 promises to be another very busy year.  We have three bargaining units proceeding to arbitration. Some dates have already been confirmed and information on the location and times of the hearings can be found on this website under Categories.  Pay equity payments should also be starting soon.

We have just served notice to bargain for both the Technical (TO) and Purchasing and Supply (PG) groups.  Members interested in participating on the Bargaining Committee should send their name; email address and telephone number to the RCEA office as soon as possible.  A meeting will be called with all members that have expressed their intent to participate.  At the meeting, a group chairperson will be elected or acclaimed by the participating members.

We regret that we cannot accommodate members that are not in the National Capital Region. The present dues structure of the RCEA does not enable us to cover the increased travel costs that would be associated with such participation, particularly given the nature of the scheduling of meetings and negotiation sessions.  To those of you outside the NCR that have already expressed willingness to participate, I sincerely thank you for showing such interest.

The Operational category will also soon be preparing for the next round of bargaining. As above, if you are interested in participating and would like to be part of the Bargaining Committee, please send your name, email address and telephone number to the RCEA office as soon as possible.  A meeting will be called with all members that have expressed their intent to participate.  At the meeting, a category chairperson will be elected or acclaimed by the participating members.

All group members are welcome to forward comments and/or suggestions to us, as to what you would like to see addressed or included in the new collective agreements.

Sincerely,

Serge Croteau
President