March 9, 2026
Bargaining update: pushing back on concessions
Since our last update, your bargaining committee met with the Community Social
Services Employers’ Association (CSSEA) for six more days of negotiations in February.
By Feb. 18, we had agreed to and signed off on eight more non-monetary proposals.
While we’ve been making progress, we are still facing employer demands for
concessions in high-stakes areas. Important monetary items remain
unresolved; we’ll be using all the leverage we have advocating for the solutions and
priorities you empowered your committee to advance. We remain committed to
pushing for a deal that reflects the progress you said you need this round.
Our next bargaining dates are March 23 to 27. Until then, your bargaining committee
will be meeting and refining our goals so that we are prepared to return to the table.
Conversations specific to Indigenous Services (IS) negotiations are on pause until we
see more progress at the main table with General Services and Community Living. Our
IS goals remain: a fully funded collective agreement that
provides equitable compensation for Indigenous workers who do the same or similar
work in direct government services. Priorities include language that truly acknowledges
and respects Indigenous peoples lived experience. To effectively advance more IS
proposals, we first need to get closer to agreement with the employers on substantive
monetary issues at the main table.
At this point, your committee and CSSEA are looking into bargaining dates for April,
in case we need them. Stay tuned for more updates as we pursue a good deal that
meets your needs.
In Solidarity,
Your CUPE representatives to the Community Social Services bargaining committee