We have a deal! Members ratify first collective agreement at Elmira and District Association for Community Living

June 30, 2008

Last night, new members of OPSEU Local 253, at Elmira and District Association for Community Living ratified their first collective agreement with an overwhelming 96 per cent. The deal will expire March 31, 2010.

“I am very pleased with our first collective agreement. The bargaining team worked diligently to ensure all members' concerns were heard at the table. A solid foundation has been laid for future bargaining,” said Trudy Allen, Bargaining Team Chair.

“Thanks to Neil Fraser, our staff rep, from OPSEU for all of his direction. Thanks to OPSEU for the gains we have been able to achieve thus far,” she said.

Highlights of the settlement include:

• Wages 1.40/.50/.50

• Mileage Increase

• Family Day

• NEW - Benefits for all Full-Time employees working 30-40 hours (previously 6 employees were excluded)

• NEW - Grievance procedure

• NEW - Removal of discipline language

• NEW - Scheduling Committee

• NEW - Employee and Employer Relations Committee

• NEW - Joint Multi-Workplace Health & Safety Committee

• NEW - Overtime provisions

• NEW - Harassment and discrimination language

Additional Part-Time improvements include:

• Bereavement leave

• Can choose to bank vacation pay

• Increase to 6% in lieu for employees who have worked more than 9360 hours

• Scheduling protocol

• Availability Lists

• Seniority and hiring process

For more info: Trudy Allen cell: 519 820 0693