When negotiating a collective agreement, keeping members informed of developments is vitally important. Members received a regular stream of reports on the talks: dozens of articles, videos and photos were shared to keep CXs abreast of the discussions and mobilization.
In light of the recommendations made after the previous bargaining talks, the UCCO-SACC-CSN executive wanted to make sure correctional officers received information after each negotiating session.
Several issues of Negotiation Report were produced during the months of talks. After each meeting with CSC and Treasury Board, we shared information with the membership about what happened at the bargaining table and the progress made – or not. We also launched appeals for mobilization when necessary. Each Negotiation Report was distributed to local executives, posted on our website and shared on social media.
Videos were also recorded after each bargaining session. They were produced as quickly as possible and distributed within hours after the meetings at the two bargaining tables.
Special attention was paid to publicizing our mobilization efforts. Throughout the talks, CXs were on the frontlines, pressing for progress at the bargaining table. The actions carried out from coast to coast, usually in coordination, were photographed and shared on our website and social media. Members saw the solidarity of their co-workers and it helped motivate them to carry on the struggle.
A number of in-depth articles on our demands were also published in Vigilance during the long months of talks.
We are now working on a wrap up exercise. As usual, our mobilization and communications strategies will be assessed. Our goal is always to improve, from one round of bargaining to the next.