Negotiations between TWU and COPE 15 staff

In response to our member’s request for increased communications, the Telecommunications Workers Union (TWU) has strived to meet this need by communicating more frequently and transparently over the past year. Many may have noticed an increase in Hotlines, Bulletins, as well as the revamped TWU Web site.

Inaccurate information regarding the TWU and its bargaining negotiations with COPE 15 staff has recently appeared on social networking sites such as Facebook, circulated via e-mails, or spread by word-of-mouth. The TWU feels an important need to respond to these comments but, out of respect for the bargaining process, has chosen not to publicize our bargaining strategy since we strongly feel it is the responsibility of the bargaining committee and must stay at the bargaining table. We are trade unionists, but also an employer. It is our responsibility to operate in the most efficient manner that best serves our membership. We face important challenges on a daily basis; the largest one being the continued offshoring and outsourcing of our members’ work by TELUS. Unfortunately, our staff must now deal with the harsh effects this present bargaining process has had on the TWU.

The TWU employs 13 COPE 15 members across the country; most who have been with us many years. We appreciate and thank them for their hard work and dedication to their craft. The TWU entered into negotiations several months ago, seeking changes to the collective agreement with COPE 15 staff in order to be fiscally responsible to its TWU members. We have reached agreements with COPE 15 on many issues of language within their collective agreement, including the rights of union membership. However, we disagree on mostly financial issues and length of term. The COPE 15 staff took a strike vote which prompted the TWU to seek the assistance of a Mediator to help both parties come to an agreement. COPE 15 booked out of Mediation after two days on July 3, 2009 and issued a 72-hour strike notice. The TWU, as an employer then issued a 72-hour lockout notice on July 7, 2009. We have instituted soft lockout provisions as of, July 13, 2009. This is a very difficult position to find ourselves in as we were outraged when TELUS once did this to us as employees.

As we have said before, bargaining is best dealt with at the bargaining table. We are patiently waiting and looking forward to returning to the bargaining table as soon as we are asked back by COPE 15.

In Solidarity

John Carpenter, National Vice-President
Tamara Marshall, Acting Secretary Treasurer