Tensions rising in ESA bargaining

The Electrical Safety Authority Local, which has been without a contract since July 1, is entering its final stage of two-party collective agreement negotiations.

With tensions rising after almost a year of preparation and bargaining, the Local and employer will enter its last round of negotiations prior to applying for conciliation in mid-December. The ESA Local is under strike/lockout and as such cannot access binding arbitration. All Society locals have pledged their support to the 57 members at ESA as that local continues to work for a fair contract.

The ESA Local began preparing for this round of bargaining as a team in December of 2014. The bargaining committee has held six membership meetings, conducted a member bargaining priorities survey, undergone extensive training, and maintained the Local’s Communication Action Network that keeps members updated.

The Local has benefited from highly committed bargaining team members, said ESA Local LVP Robert Mitchell. The bargaining committee is composed of Patience Cathcart, John Calabrese, and staff officer Blaine Donais. Mitchell also noted the contributions of past committee member Joel Moody, who was promoted to management, President Scott Travers and EVP Policy Michelle Johnston, who have actively supported the bargaining committee at the negotiating table and behind the scenes.