Negotiation Update # 2

Our negotiation committee, Pat Heckford, Dave Phillips and John McMaster, chief negotiator were scheduled to meet with the employer committee, Chris Higham, Jim Cockburn and Jason Reid on March 7, 8, & 9^th.

The first day the Union responded to the proposed changes to the collective agreement that the employer had put forward. The Union clarifying a couple of questions that the employer had regarding our monetary demands.

In the afternoon there was a long discussion on the employer’s demand to distinguish owner operators separately from employees. Also about their method of pricing vs driver commission minimums to increasing minimum daily bench marks.

The employer stated that they lost 8% in revenue in the last year of the current contract but driver’s revenue only dropping 4%. The Union also asked for the average earnings for drivers broken down by classification which the employer is working on.

The employer stated that their bottom line is:

• a 5 year deal
• status quo on cost & earnings
• their cost model instead of commission share

The Union advised they needed:

• 2 year deal
• across the board increases
• protection of our percentile [commission rate]

As you can see there is quite a gap between the parties.

With Dynamex doing well overall the Union is not prepared to accept any of the changes that the employer has proposed without benefit to the membership.

Both sides agreed to consider their options and talk again before March 18^th to see if there is a basis to move forward.

These updates will be posted in the workplace, at the local office and mailed to member’s homes. You can also watch for updates on the Region’s blog.

cupwprairieregion.blogspot.com

The Struggle Continues…….

Pat Heckford

Dave Phillips

John McMaster