There’s some exciting news coming from the Museum of Human Rights: our members there have just ratified their first collective agreement.
“It’s been a lengthy process,” admits Regional Vice-President Martin Kaminski. “But it’s also been a very positive one.”
Close to 100% of members voted in favour of ratifying the new collective agreement, said Kaminski.
“We got really great comments from members,” explained Local President Stephen Carney, who was part of the bargaining team. “People are happy with the ultimate result.”
From the anonymous comment cards received, it’s clear that the members really appreciate the bargaining team’s hard work:
“Sounds good to me. Thanks to [the bargaining team]. I trust that they did their best and I’m happy with it,” wrote one member.
“Kudos to the bargaining team for a fair agreement!” wrote another.
For his part, Carney said he feels fortunate to have been part of the museum’s first collective agreement.
“It’s not something I had been involved in before,” admitted Carney. “I’ve worked in a union environment, but I had never been involved at the Local level or in the bargaining process.”
“It can be a really engaging experience. You end up becoming really close with your teammates.”
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights will officially open in September 2014.
Congratulations to the bargaining team: Stephen Carney, local president; Travis Tomchuk, local vice-president; Isabelle Masson, human rights officer; Tracy Thor, PSAC regional representative; and Stephen Bedingfield, negociator.