We are pleased to report that we arrived at a tentative agreement with Shaw management today to renew our collective agreement. You will have an opportunity to vote on it next week. We are recommending you vote yes.

We will be holding membership meetings on Thursday at noon and 5 pm at St. Andrew’s Church to explain the deal fully and answer your questions. In the meantime, here are some highlights:

– Three-year deal, with wage increases of no less than 2.25% in each year of the deal
– $500 cash payment to all members of the bargaining unit.
– Introduction of salary steps and increase to minimum salaries.
– Employer to contribute mandatory 5% to employees’ pensions by third year of deal
– Two paid personal days remain.
– Employees eligible for four weeks of vacation in the January following seven years of employment; and five weeks of vacation in the January following 15 years of employment.
– Maternity and parental leave provisions confirmed in agreement.
– Commitment to employee training and development.

We will make an electronic version of the tentative agreement available before Thursday’s meeting, so keep an eye on your email. Paper copies will also be available at the meeting.

We’re looking forward to seeing you and discussing the tentative agreement. If you’re unable to attend a meeting, please get in touch with any one of us.

Thanks again for all of your support.

Your bargaining committee:
Mike Duong, Shaw branch president
Katy Boudreau
Sherisse White
Karen Wirsig, CMG staff
Keith Maskell, CMG staff representative