Dear Casual Penpal,
I write to you from your favourite union, on the distant and fantastical land beside the McGill gym. There is so much going on here, I wish I could write you a splendid novel of stories. But alas, I must limit myself to only the most urgent words. If you care to hear more, I beseech you to like this Facebook page, in honour of our friendship.
BBQ on Thursday
Thanks to everyone from MUNACA and AMUSE who came out to our barbecue!! AMUSE had a great time serving ice cream and meeting so many members of our sister union, MUNACA. Solidarity and hot dogs forever!
New MUNACA Replacement Minimums
On June 1st, pay rates for MUNACA employees went up. That means that pay rates also go up for all AMUSE employees in positions covered by MUNACA’s collective agreement. If your contract indicates one of the job titles listed here, you should see the corresponding pay rate on your next pay stub. If you don’t, make sure to contact us.
Bargaining Updates
Unit A
The university met with AMUSE/PSAC non-academic casuals on May 19 where the parties presented their respective set of proposals. Both sides’ bargaining committees were present for the start of negotiations.
The parties also discussed how the bargaining process should unfold and agreed on a shared communications approach following each bargaining session.
The parties later agreed on four dates for bargaining sessions leading up to mid-July.
AMUSE/PSAC will be negotiating their second collective agreement. Their first three-year contract expired in April 2015. The union was certified in January 2010.
Unit B
Elected representatives of Floor Fellows at McGill are preparing for more conciliation meetings. Since the Fall, Floor Fellows have been fighting to institute an anti-oppressive and harm-reducing framework in their working conditions. Unfortunately, the university has been refusing most of the changes that such a framework would incur, as well as making changes to Floor Fellow contracts for new hires. The FF Rresentatives will now be re-examining their bargaining strategies, and are set to see the conciliator at the end of June. More news to come!
QPIRG Hiring a Coordinator
The Quebec Public Interest Research Group at McGill University (QPIRG-McGill) is a student-funded non-profit organization that conducts research, education, and action on a variety of social justice and environmental issues at McGill and in the Montreal community.
They are looking for a dynamic, approachable, and resourceful person committed to social and environmental justice to fill a one-year renewable 35-hour/week position as Community Research and Working Group Coordinator. The position requires familiarity with community organizing and commitment to QPIRG’s principles. The rate is $18.53/hour. See the position details here.
PSAC Scholarship Contest
The Public Service Alliance of Canada, our parent union, is holding a scholarship contest for members who are going to school in September. The submission must address this timely question: What are the key issues in the 2015 federal election for voters under the age of 30 and how are you, your family, your workmates and friends affected by those issues? Look here for details and deadlines.
Join a Committee!
Check out our website’s calendar to see when committees are happening and register for one. As a member, you can sit on any open committee that interests you, and there’s plenty of them!
