The Bargaining Committee met with Management on December 13th and December 17th. The Union Committee is represented by Denise Parks, Eileen McMillan, Kelly Kennedy and Carolyn Casenas with Alternates Paul MacDonell, Shane Parmar and Jan Parker under the leadership of CUPE Representative Bill Pegler. Management is represented by Surinder Bhogal, Kristen Andrews, Michael Ho, Samantha Quizon, and April Cox for the Library with Joey Brar and Anita Sanghera from the City.

The first 2 meetings have been respectful as each side outlined their views on how the transition will proceed. We have 3 more meetings scheduled for January 15th, January 21st and February 5th. We will be working towards developing a good Memorandum of Agreement. Once we have an Agreement it will be presented to the Librarians for a Ratification vote.

The Bargaining Committee wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for 2019.

Denise, Eileen and Sung collected about 150 lbs of food and $400 for the Surrey Food Bank!  Thank you everyone for your generous donations! Also, please join the executive in congratulating Natasha (OP) and Renee (SE) who were the lucky winners of the Entertainment Book and the movie tickets!

How will I get information about the transition?

Paul (CV), Kevin (SE) and Margo (Casual) have taken positions as Shop Stewards. They will help keep Librarians informed. Questions and concerns can also be directed to the Union Executive at: cupe40202secretary@mail.com.

Please use personal email accounts, not the Employer’s email. If you wish to get in touch with an individual Shop Steward you can send an email to: cupe40202css@mail.com requesting they contact you at a personal email address.

Information will also be posted on Branch Union Bulletin Boards. Please check them frequently.

Union Meetings are held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month (none in December, July or August) at 9:20 PM at the Newton Library. You will receive updates and have the opportunity to ask questions and voice concerns.

What will happen to the Rights and Benefits I currently have?

The Librarians elected Carolyn C (CC) to help negotiate a Memorandum of Agreement which will outline Rights and Benefits. It will address things like seniority, benefits, and working conditions. Paul (CV) and Shane (Casual) will be Alternates to sit in on the discussions with Management in addition to the Union Executive. Heading the team will be a CUPE Union Representative who specializes in negotiating transition Agreements.

How long will the transition take?

The Union negotiating team has already had 1 meeting to discuss what needs to be addressed in the Memorandum of Agreement. We have another meeting scheduled for December 5th. Once we are confident that we have our proposals in order, we will begin negotiations with Management. We cannot predict how long this will take, but will keep members informed through Shop Stewards and regular Union Meetings.

Do I have any say in what is negotiated?

Yes. Once the Union and Management have reached an Agreement, the Librarians will be able to vote on whether or not they find the Agreement acceptable. This is called Ratification. As the results only affect Librarians, only Librarians will vote in the Ratification.

Will I have to pay Union Dues?

Yes, all Members of CUPE 402-02 pay Union Dues. Payroll is in the process of adding Librarians to the payroll deductions. We don’t have a date for when this will happen, but will advise Librarians as soon as we know.

Can I negotiate my own deals with Management?

No. The Union is the sole and exclusive bargaining agent for all of the Union Members.

On Sunday, November 18th, we held the election for representatives for the Librarian Memorandum of Agreement.  Please join the executive in congratulating committee members:

Carolyn C.
Paul M. (alternate)
Shane P. (alternate)