The Wages & Agreements committee is taking proactive steps to protect our jobs and ensure our work remains within our bargaining unit. Recently, we have identified a growing concern where CUPE positions are being reclassified or moved into other jurisdictions, including AMHSSE, Unifor, Corporate Exempt, and IBEW.
Why This Matters
Every CUPE job represents fair wages, strong benefits, and workplace rights that we have fought hard to achieve. When positions are moved out of our jurisdiction, our collective power and the protections we have negotiated for our members are put at risk. Job erosion weakens our union, and we will not stand by while our work is reassigned elsewhere.
Our Action Plan
The Wages and Agreements Committee is leading a comprehensive review to ensure that CUPE work stays with CUPE members. This review will include:
- Auditing CUPE Certifications: We are reviewing our jurisdictional certificates to ensure that CUPE’s scope of work is clearly defined and protected.
- Demanding Transparency from Hydro: We are requesting detailed reports from Hydro on all CUPE jobs that have been reclassified or lost to other unions or exempt roles in recent years.
- Analyzing Job Descriptions: We are comparing CUPE job descriptions with those now assigned to other unions to identify improper transfers of work.
- Strengthening Protections: Findings from this review will shape our bargaining proposals and any necessary legal or arbitration actions to stop further job losses.
How You Can Help
We are asking members to report any instances where CUPE work is being done by non-CUPE employees. Your input is critical to helping us track changes and hold the employer accountable.
Our Commitment
CUPE 998 is committed to fighting for every job that belongs in our jurisdiction. We will keep our members informed as this review progresses and share the steps we are taking to safeguard our bargaining unit work.