Cornell Bargaining Starts

June 2009

Dear brothers and sisters:

We start bargaining a new contract with Cornell on June 8. The reason we are bargaining now is that our current contract — which we signed 4 years ago — expires at the end of June. Like any contract you need to review it, make improvements and sign a new one.

In our new contract we want to maintain the gains we made in the past and make changes that members have suggested to improve working conditions. We insist on a fair contract.

One of the things we will be talking about that should be in a fair contract is a wage improvement for everyone. We don’t want to pedal backwards.

Yes, Cornell tells us that their financial situation is not good, but our members are even worse off trying to stay afloat and pay the bills, while saving for retirement.

Much more than wages

But the contract also includes much more than wages. Benefits, working conditions, job security, health and safety, workload, seniority – all these and more are part of the contract and areas where we can seek improvements.

During negotiations if we feel things are not going smoothly we may need your help. We might ask the membership to come to an informational meeting, a rally, to wear buttons, speak to the media, or write letters.

Our Local’s history has shown that only when we stand together and let Cornell know our needs do we get a fair contract.

We must be strong and united to get a fair contract.

During the negotiating process you may hear lots of things from lots of different people. It may be from management. Or perhaps from a co-worker. What they tell you may be true, or may be false.

Be very careful about any rumors you hear. Whenever you want to check out the facts speak to one of the members of the bargaining team, a steward, or call the Union Hall at 272-4108.

Remember this. Only the members can decide to accept or reject a contract. Your bargaining team will work hard to get a fair contract. At that point, there will be a meeting for all members, probably close to the end of June, where we will report on our progress and where your input will be crucial.

In Solidarity, Terry Sharpe, President