I'm in BC, and there's 4-5 public sector unions bargaining with our provincial government right now. and I just want to get the message out that all negotiations work best when everyone has a simple message, which should be “WE WAIT FOR 8”, meaning no deal until an 8% pay increase is scheduled. Anything less than 8% is a pay cut everywhere in North America.
I have a strong feeling we're going to job action and eventually striking as my sector has been sidelined for over 20 years when it comes to pay. “We wait for 8” should be the message or rallying cry that all unions will not bend on. Having a singular hyper-focus will be part of every union's success this year.
Good luck to all your negotiations this year, union or not.