The Offer is Not a Contract: No Need to Make a Decision Now

Some members have been asking about the implications of CPC’s new offer concerning personal decisions they may need to make, such as retirement. One example is CPC’s proposal to replace retiree benefits for a Healthcare Spending Account for all employees who retire after December 31, 2012.

Remember

The first thing to remember is that CPC’s new offer is not a contract. It may not even be the same as the “final offer” that they may submit to the arbitrator under the final offer selection process outlined in the back-to-work legislation.

There Will Be Time to Make a Decision

Under the law, both the union and the employer must submit a “final Offer” to the arbitrator which includes contractual language for all clauses in the collective agreement, including any changes they are proposing.

At that time, we will see the exact changes which are being proposed by the employer, and the dates that they are proposing the changes become effective.

After the parties submit their proposals, each party will have an opportunity to present detailed evidence and convince the arbitrator to accept their proposals. Once this period of evidence and argumentation is complete, the arbitrator will take the time required to assess the evidence and arguments, and render his or her decision.

In the past, when CPC introduced a Healthcare Spending Account for management exempt employees, the Corporation gave several months’ notice so employees could make their decision.

Retirement, a Serious Decision

Choosing your date of retirement is a very serious decision which will have financial implications for the rest of your life. Currently there is no need to rush to any decision. Members are advised to wait until we see the terms of the employer’s “final offer” which are submitted to the arbitrator. Of course, there is still an opportunity for the parties to negotiate an agreement. Remember there is no requirement to give advanced notice of your retirement date. However, providing notice does lessen the gap in time between your last pay and your first pension payment.

Keep informed of developments by reading bulletins, talking to your shop steward, participating in your local general membership meeting and going to the Union’s website www.cupw.ca.

The struggle continues.