Latest news with #wageNegotiations
CTV News
2 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
WSIB says negotiations will continue over the weekend looking to end strike
The Vice President of Communications for the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) said negotiations will continue over the weekend, but that there needs to be realistic expectations at the table for a deal to be reached. Aaron Lazarus said they're hopeful that a deal can be reached between the Ontario Compensation Employees Union (OCEU/CUPE 1750) and WSIB as the strike continues. Harry Goslin, the President of OCEU, was in Windsor on Friday and joined local workers walking the picket line, stressing that while the two sides are much closer to a deal that wages and workload need to be addressed. Lazarus said that WSIB has a proposal on the table looking to lift wages, and that the company has hired more employees over the last four years to help manage workload. 3,600 unionized workers, including 180 in Windsor, walked off the job on May 21, the first strike in the agency's 111-year history. Lazarus said they've had a proposal put forward for better wages. 'Sees us move from having 60 per cent of our unionized members make $100,000 a year or more, to jump all the way up to 75 per cent making $100,000 or more, which I know is a lot, but this is tough work, and I think that our team deserves it.' He said they have brought the workload down by 60 per cent since 2021. 'And we've got on the table a proposal to keep going further, faster, working with the union to do that. In terms of our employee well-being, we want people to bring their best selves to work everyday because that's how we improve results. So, we have some of the best benefits going in Canada, including unlimited mental health benefits.' He said both sides continue to work with a mediator. 'I'm hopeful that we're going to be able to reach a fair and reasonable agreement, and we do that when people bring realistic expectations to the table. But this back and forth between us is interesting, but I think what's important for people in Windsor to know is if they get hurt on the job that WSIB is still here to help.' Lazarus confirmed that meetings will continue to be held over the weekend, but that there has been passive back and forth from both sides. The WSIB provides wage-loss benefits, medical coverage and support to help people after a work-related injury or illness and is funded by premiums paid by Ontario businesses. - Written by Meagan Delaurier/AM800 News.
CBC
30-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
Canada Post asks Ottawa to force postal workers' union to vote on 'final offers'
Canada Post says it has asked the federal jobs minister to force a union membership vote on the proposals the Crown corporation put forward earlier this week. Canada Post presented its "final offers" to the union representing 55,000 workers on Wednesday, with concessions including an end to compulsory overtime and a signing bonus of up to $1,000. But it stuck to a proposal for a 14 per cent cumulative wage hike over four years and part-time staff on weekend shifts – a major sticking point in the talks. Canada Post said in a statement Friday that the parties are at an impasse and it believes the best hope of reaching a new collective agreement is a vote administered by the Canada Industrial Relations Board. "Despite months of conciliation and mediation, the parties remain unable to reach new agreements at the table," it said. The Crown corporation said this week it logged nearly $1.3 billion in operating losses last year, raising further questions about its business model as letter volumes plunge and fears of a second strike in six months persist. WATCH | Canada Post warns of deeper losses: How Canada Post lost $3B in six years | About That 1 year ago Duration 10:15 Canada Post has a monopoly on Canadian letter delivery. But financial reports show the Crown corporation lost $748 million in 2023 alone and is expected to run out of money by early 2025. Andrew Chang explains how - even when parcel delivery is at an all-time high - the company can't catch a break, and what it means for your mail. CORRECTION (Nov. 12, 2024): An earlier version of this description said Canada Post lost $748 million in 2024. That number is the total losses before tax for 2023. According to Canada Post's most recent financial reports, it has so far lost $490 million in the first two quarters of 2024. Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu said in a statement that she and Secretary of State John Zerucelli met with Canada Post and Union officials on Friday. "A strong postal service is vital to a united Canadian economy and to the many Canadians and businesses that depend on it," she said. "I urged both parties to continue working together to find an agreement that works for both parties and maintains a strong and lasting postal industry." Union officials say rallies are planned across the country on Saturday.
