TWU Local 556 Negotiation Update # 4

Dear Member:

As previously communicated, we passed Articles 1: Nondiscrimination, 6:  Seniority, and 7: Probation Period to Management during our last Negotiations session.

When we met with Management on December 13, we received responses on all three Articles.  Throughout this session, we engaged in much debate and discussion with Management but did so in a professional manner.  However, based on the volume of language proposed by Management, it became clear we would need to caucus internally to review and discuss our response before meeting with them again.

Following caucus, we returned to the table with Management on December 14th and were able to tentatively agree to:

Article 6:  Seniority – We incorporated language from current letters of agreement.

Here’s where we stand on the other two articles on the table:

Article 1: Nondiscrimination – We received their response and were able to quickly prepare a counter proposal which we passed back to Management We are awaiting their next response.

Article 7:  Probation Period – We are seeking solutions to the continuing predicament of entire New Hire populations being assigned to a single base. 

We will be in caucus and meeting internally again on December 17th and 18th to review the remaining two Articles above.  The next bargaining session with Management is scheduled for January 8th-10th.

Your Negotiating Committee priority remains focused on what is important to you.  We are committed to transparency and communication to our Membership throughout these Negotiations.  Understand, of course, that we can’t always convey specifics of the various proposals being passed across the bargaining table.  To do so could affect our bargaining positions, but rest assured we will provide you as much information as possible.

Have a Wonderful Holiday Season, a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

This has been your Official TWU Local 556 Negotiating Committee Update.

In solidarity,

Your TWU Local 556 Negotiating Committee