Dear Friends,

After a long negotiation between CUPE Local 40 and the CBE, we have come up with a collective agreement that we hope is appealing to all with the Local. On February 28, 2015, we hosted a ratification meeting that explained all the changes within the new collective agreement. In summary, the major changes included:

• This contract is a 1 year deal, 2014-2015. Retroactive to September 1, 2014
• including same gender spouse in leave of absence in the event of death within the family,
• not losing seniority during a leave of absence,
• granted leave with pay for writing an examination that increases your professional qualifications
• Increase of health spending account to $800
• No employee shall be required to perform unpaid hours of work.
• and finally a 2.6% increase in wages to all CUPE Local 40 members

This has been the toughest negotiation to date and we expect that the next negotiations, come September 2015, will be even tougher.

It is important to us, the bargaining committee, that you bring your support to the General Membership meetings to let us know what it is that you would like to see on the next negotiating agenda. Without your support, we would not be able to be as successful as we have been to date. We draw strength from your communication and support during these trying times. So we ask that you the membership, please attend the meetings and use your voice to direct your executive board and bargaining committee in getting the best deal possible.

Thank you for all your support,

Written on behalf of the Bargaining Committee,

Jason Wolfe, Recording Secretary, CUPE Local 40