Bargaining Bulletin #29

June 6, 2012

To: Heads Up – Vancouver and Okanagan
From: Lisa Castle, AVP, Human Resources
Cc: HR Advisors & Associates
Re: Bargaining Bulletin #29 – Collective Bargaining 2010/11: Update

The purpose of this memorandum is to provide you with an update on developments in collective bargaining at UBC. An overview of collective bargaining (including information on the bargaining units) is available at http://www.hr.ubc.ca/collective-bargaining/.

Earlier this morning, the University received 72-hour strike notice from CUPE Local 116. Therefore, effective Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m., the union will be in a position to strike. We also received notification that one of the actions they intend is to conduct study sessions from time to time in various departments. This means that the Union will ask their members to withdraw their services for a period of time. At this time, we do not know if the Union intends on engaging in further strike activity, including picketing. The Union notified their members an hour ago that they have issued strike notice.

As a reminder, CUPE Local 116 obtained a positive strike vote in March 2012. CUPE Local 2278 is in mediation, albeit this is in abeyance until UBC receives a government-approved mandate to respond to the union’s proposal for a four-year term. CUPE Local 2950 has not yet taken a strike vote. Unless a picket line is erected, the only staff impacted, at this time, will be CUPE Local 116 members.

The University is currently reviewing our options and is continuing to work with the provincial government to secure the approvals we need to move forward. We also do not yet have an agreement with CUPE Local 116 on essential service levels to be maintained. We will consider both of these issues as we decide on how best to proceed.

We will provide you with further information prior to the expiry of the 72-hour notice period.

In the meantime, please take the time to review the material sent out on April 5, 2012, from Anna Kindler and Linda McKnight, which were distributed to Heads Up and HR Networks:

• Academic Position of Students in Case of a Strike (and related frequently asked questions)
• Information for Academic Units in the Event of a Strike
• Strike Guide for Managers

If you did not receive a copy of these documents, please contact your unit’s HR Advisor.

Download this bulletin as PDF.