Bargaining Update #4: We showed up prepared. Management stayed silent.

Meeting Summary – October 1st

On October 1st, we met with Management, prepared to present our economic and wage proposals and hear their justifications for theirs. We were proud to have 40 members show up in support!

During our presentation, we highlighted the key concerns of our members:

• Competitive Wages are the number one priority for members.

• The instability of overtime (OT) and Davis-Bacon (DB) is driving quality workers away due to insufficient wages.

• Newly hired employees were placed directly on the top step, while many existing workers remain stuck.

• Improving recruitment and retention is critical to address issues of safety, low morale, turnover, and short staffing.

• We are facing a staffing crisis.

• In 2023, the total amount of overtime worked was equivalent to the workload of 34 full-time staff.

• We have seen a cumulative turnover of 47% since 2020.

You can read our entire presentation here.

Our Wage Proposal Highlights:

• Creation of a 10-step wage scale for all job titles.

• 15% across-the-board raises for most titles to start, with an additional 8% cost of living adjustment (COLA) in 2026 and 2027.

• Members will receive annual COLA adjustments, along with automatic step increases on their anniversary, without any additional requirements.

• Leads would receive a 20% wage increase to start.

• Certain job titles will also receive market adjustments to ensure their wages are competitive.

After presenting our proposal, Management chose to delay presenting theirs, opting instead to reveal it next week. Despite being prepared and available, they were not ready to discuss what we already know: their proposal doesn’t keep up with the cost of living, fails to address low wages, and won't solve the ongoing recruitment and retention issues.

Next Bargaining Session – October 8th, 2024

We resume bargaining next Tuesday, October 8th. We encourage all members and their families to attend. It's important for everyone to hear firsthand why Management thinks it’s acceptable to maintain the status quo—or worse, let conditions deteriorate. Management (despite being an hour late) insisted that we start on time. So please be there by 5pm. 

• Date: October 8th, 2024

• Time: 5:00 PM SHARP (please arrive by 4:45 PM to hear their presentation)

• Location: 7575 Southfront Rd.

You can track the progress of all proposals from both sides here.

As always, thank you for your continued support and solidarity!