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Tentative agreement between the City of Montreal and its school crossing guards

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A tentative agreement was reached November 9 between the City of Montreal and the Syndicat des brigadiers de Montréal (CUPE 930), which represents some 600 school crossing guards.

This agreement is the end result of constructive negotiations during which both parties displayed openness and creativity.

“I’m particularly proud of this tentative agreement and with how quickly the process resulting in the agreement unfolded. This clearly shows that we share a common vision of the essential role played by the 600 school crossing guards to ensure the safety of our children in the Montreal area,” said Montreal mayor Valérie Plante.

The school crossing guards had been without a contract since December 2020.

“We are very satisfied with the entire process and the respect the parties showed throughout negotiations. We will enthusiastically present the results of this tentative agreement on November 27 to our membership,” said Josée Rufiange, interim president of CUPE 930.

CARRAWAY CROSSING GUARDS, DON’T GET LEFT BEHIND!

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November 15, 2021

Dear Toronto Crossing Guards, 

We are approaching you to provide information about the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) during an organizing drive started by your co-workers. Let’s start by letting you all know that your colleagues at A.S.P. Security who share the responsibility of Crossing Guards’ work in the City of Toronto, have voted in favour of becoming CUPE members.  They overwhelmingly voted in favour of the Union and will soon be sitting with their Employer to negotiate their first Collective Agreement.  Don’t be left behind.  Do right by yourselves and your colleagues at Carraway.  

Carraway has been trying to make you believe that they share your concerns about job security, health and safety, wages, benefits, and fairness in the workplace.  Do you really believe this to be true?  What has your Employer done to address any of these concerns?  

When CUPE first approached you to discuss unionizing, Carraway began an aggressive anti-union campaign using intimidation tactics to try and prevent you from signing union cards and building a strong voice together. Let’s remind you of the facts regarding CUPE, the organizing drive and your rights.

Is CUPE a business?

Employers tend to say that unions are businesses. It’s a lie, and they’re only saying it to make you believe that we work from a profit motive just like them. The reality is that the only one looking to make a profit is Carraway. CUPE is a non-profit Organization and is 100% member driven. If you join to be a CUPE member, you will decide on your bargaining priorities, your dues rates, and you will elect your leaders and bargaining committee members.   

Why did CUPE start an Organizing Campaign with Toronto Crossing Guards?

The Campaign was started by your co-workers, and they remain the heart of the campaign. They are supported by CUPE staff members, as well as other CUPE members who work as Member Organizers. Some crossing guards are approached by co-workers, and others will be approached by CUPE members from other bargaining units who care deeply about helping workers win a strong voice and fairness in their workplaces.

Carraway suggested that CUPE is pretending to be managers in order to get cards signed?

Another lie.  We are very truthful about who we are whenever we approach anyone to sign a card. If anyone ever does approach you about CUPE saying they’re a manager, please contact Daniela Scarpelli at dscarpelli@cupe.ca or 416-458-0588, as it is illegal for any Supervisors and/or Managers to try to convince, intimidate or coerce you to not support CUPE.  

What are my rights?

Your right to join a union is your legal right. In Ontario, it is illegal for your employer to seek to influence you by threats, intimidation, coercion or promises. You have a right to talk with co-workers or organizers about forming a local union.

If you are approached by a CUPE representative, we encourage you to take the information and card, and find a time to have a chat after work or on a break. If you choose to sign a card, we can arrange to have someone pick it up. dscarpelli@cupe.ca or 416-458-0588.  

What is a union card and why am I signing one?

A vote cannot happen until at least 40% of the total workers have signed cards. 

Will Carraway know if I sign a union card?

No. Your card is only ever seen by CUPE and the Ontario Labour Relations Board. Neither your card nor your name is ever provided to the employer. Thousands of workers go through this process every year to join CUPE. 

How do dues work?

Dues exist because there are costs to negotiating and defending your rights. In CUPE, dues are typically 1.5% of base wages. So there are no dues if you’re on an unpaid break, like when school breaks for summer. Dues vary from local to local in CUPE, because the local membership (i.e. you) decides on the local portion of their dues. 

Union dues are often recouped in the first year of your collective agreement and are also 100% tax-deductible. 

Can CUPE guarantee job security?

While most things need to be negotiated, joining CUPE does immediately give you some protection. Right now, your employer can fire you without cause and is only required to provide the week or two of severance included in the Employment Standards Act.Immediately upon becoming a CUPE bargaining unit, the law prohibits the employer from firing you without cause. And it gives you a strong union with an expert in-house legal team to support you if the employer violates your rights.

Other rights are negotiated, but collective agreements normally include a great deal of language around job security.

Sincerely,

Daniela Scarpelli

National Representative

Canadian Union of Public Employees