Highlights of Settlement, OPSEU Local 334, Kawartha-Haliburton CAS

Members of Local 334 have ratified a four-year collective agreement following a seven-week strike against their employer, Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society.

“It was a long and difficult process but in the end I’m pleased to report that the strike was successful for us,” said Jennifer Smith, bargaining team chair for Local 334. “We made some important gains toward a better work environment for ourselves and it brought us closer together as a local,” said Smith. “There’s truth in the word solidarity because it works!”

OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas agreed with Smith, applauding the work of Local 334 and the negotiating teams: “They built a lot of union strength during this strike. They stuck together and stayed focused on their goals.”

Highlights of the settlement

Wage increases for all staff
• Year 1   0%
• Year 2   0%
• Year 3   2.95%
• Year 4   2.95%

Expenses and benefits
• Signing bonus of $2,250.
• Payout of Overtime.
• Increase to mileage 48 cents on ratification, 50 cents 2012.
• Increase to cell phone allowance $50.00
• Increase to Personal Needs time to include an extra day.
• Early Retirement benefits to the age of 65

Workload: Language on case notes
• To be input by the end of the next business day, and on Fridays they are extended to be input by 11:00 a.m. Monday.
• Enhanced language to the process under Workload

Union Leave
• Chief Steward - 15% workload reduction.
• Next Highest Ranking - 10% reduction.
• Highest Ranking - an additional seven hours per month without loss of pay.

General
• No Layoffs for the first three years of the agreement.
• On-going additional 3 FTE's above normal complement
• Joint After Hours Committee
• Deemed qualified language