|
|
|
|
|
|
Info Nego
|
|
We can’t turn the clock back to 2019 but the University wants to.
After 13 negotiation meetings and moving into conciliation, the employer finally agreed to speak about our work-from-home, flexible work arrangements and compressed workweek demands. This was achieved thanks to our perseverance!
|
On Tuesday, May 2, we met with the employer to present our hybrid work demands and why we believe they are legitimate. We presented our case along with evidence that other universities and organizations already have more sensible hybrid policies. We demanded that our members be able to choose to work remotely up to 60% of the time.
|
The university acknowledged our hard work but justified their position by saying that work from home is a relic of the COVID era and was always intended to be a temporary measure. Hybrid workers around the globe would disagree.
|
Clearly, the University still thinks Hybrid work is a privilege that they should be able to remove at any moment while the union believes that Hybrid Work is the future and belongs in our CA as a right.
|
An environmental matter
|
Concordia’s own Climate Action Plan specifies that they: ‘’Encourage options for our staff to work remotely in recognizing the benefits to our carbon footprint as well as to public health, employee wellness and accessibility’’. It is unfortunate then, and brings into question the seriousness of their Climate Action Plan, that the University does not support these conclusions in practice, especially at this time – while we are negotiating our CA. Instead, we see inconsistency: when it is time to publicly present themselves as a green university, they do not hesitate, but when it is time to put those ideas into action, they find no shortage of excuses and waste 13 meetings before demonstrating openness on a half-measure.
|
What’s next?
Following our presentation, the University acknowledged the need to iron out the details. We will continue negotiations on the 13th of May. Alas, the fight is not over and we will have to remain steadfast in our resolve in order to get our full demands met.
|
|
-The Negotiation Committee
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
