Arbitration

Our interest arbitration hearing was held on May 18, 19, and 20. We took the following issues forward: wages, a short list of reclassifications, contracting out, voluntary exit opportunity, benefits, benefits for early retirees, continuation of percentage in lieu on pregnancy and parental leave, stand by, call back, shift and weekend premiums, vacation, and superior provisions.

On wages, we are seeking a 3 per cent increase at the maximum rate for registered technologists who did not receive it in the last round and removal of the first two steps of the registered technologist grid; 5 per cent catch up to achieve registered nurse comparability, to be applied to all classifications; and a general wage increase for all classification of 4 per cent effective April 1, 2004, and 4 per cent effective April 1, 2005.

The agreed issues, which include improvements in the areas of health and safety, human rights and accommodation, as well as retroactivity, will be included in the award.

A copy of our brief will be sent to each regional office.

You will be informed as soon as we have our award.

Local Issues Mediation Arbitration

We have appointed Cam Nelson as our nominee for the local issues mediation/arbitration process, and the OHA has appointed Ted Crabtree. The nominees are exchanging names for the chair. The date of the process will depend on the availability of the board. All locals are encouraged to complete their local issues negotiations by the summer.