Bargaining Update – EL Group- IBEW-FIOE 2228

Our bargaining team met with Treasury Board from October 27 to 29. Both sides have now set out their positions on the table.

Our proposals cover a wide range of issues members raised with us. They include:

• Overtime: better compensation for overtime, and meal provisions that reflect today’s costs.
• Travel: fair compensation for long travel days and extended time away from home, including time spent away on weekends for training.
• Standby and designated holidays: better recognition for members who keep themselves available or work on holidays.
• Vacation and sick leave: bringing vacation and sick leave in line with other federal groups and current labour standards.
• Training and instructors: recognition for members who deliver training, and support for those who help them.
• Workspace: making sure members have the space they need to do technical work.
• Pay administration: fairer treatment on promotion and pay increments.
• Bilingualism: fairer recognition of language requirements.
• Health and wellness: support for both physical and mental fitness.
• Job security: protections around contracting out.

Our wage proposal and some other items will be tabled at a later session.

The employer also explained its proposals, which include changes to some leave and pay provisions. We asked a lot of questions to understand what they’re looking for and why.

Detailed discussion of specific language hasn’t started yet, so we won’t share proposal text at this stage. This keeps our options open as talks move forward.

Our next session is scheduled for November 24 to 26. We’ll update you again after those dates.

Thank you for your continued support.

Jeff Wendt
Business Manager, IBEW Local 2228