Queen's Staff Vote to Ratify First Collective Agreement

KINGSTON, ON, Aug. 8, 2012 /CNW/ - Queen's University administrative and support staff have strongly ratified their first collective agreement. The United Steelworkers (USW) represents approximately 1,100 employees at Queen's who are members of USW Local 2010.

"This vote represents the start of a new chapter in the working lives of staff at Queen's," said Omero Landi, USW staff representative and the union's chief spokesperson during the talks.

"This solid first agreement, arrived at during challenging economic times, was achieved with broad membership involvement and support. The members were well represented by their elected bargaining committee. As well, both the union and the university approached these talks with respect for the process and for the other side," said Landi.

Voting on the agreement took place over three days: August 1, 2 and 7. Over 65% of the membership took part in the vote and just over 90% of ballots were cast in favour of the agreement.

"We bargain hundreds of contracts across Ontario every year," said Wayne Fraser, USW Director for Ontario and Atlantic Canada. "Reaching a first agreement is a challenge and a big achievement, especially in a complex workplace like Queen's University. This is not only a good first agreement for Queen's staff, it also sets a foundation for the future."

Collective bargaining between the USW and the university began in November 2011. The union and the university reached a tentative first collective agreement on July 5. Staff reviewed the details of the agreement during membership meetings in mid-July.

The new agreement provides for consistency in the terms and conditions of employment at Queen's, better job security, conversion rights for staff employed on a term basis, a process to build an effective job evaluation plan, annual pay increases, an effective way for staff concerns and complaints to be resolved, improved overtime rights and other improvements.

In the near future, the USW membership at Queen's will elect their local union executive members and train other members as stewards and advocates in respect of the new collective agreement.

In addition to the Queen's staff membership, the USW represents almost 7,000 other university staff employees working at the University of Guelph, the University of Toronto and its federated colleges Victoria University and the University of St. Michael's College.

SOURCE: United Steelworkers (USW)

Omero Landi, USW Staff Representative, mobile [phone], office 416-544-6007, [email protected]
Brad James, USW, mobile [phone], office 416-544-6006, [email protected]
Wayne Fraser, USW District 6 Director, 416-243-8792