Brothers and Sisters,

As we prepare for our upcoming round of collective bargaining, we want to provide members with a better understanding of the negotiation process, the role of your Negotiating Committee, and what you can expect as we move forward.

We recognize that negotiations are important to everyone. Whether your concerns involve wages, benefits, scheduling, working conditions, or improvements to our Collective Agreement, we want to assure you that the best interests of our membership will remain our priority throughout this process.|

Your Negotiating Committee

Your Negotiating Committee represents the entire bargaining unit. Its role is to review member concerns, identify priorities, develop proposals, and participate in negotiations with the Employer.

Committee members bring frontline experience and an understanding of the challenges our members face. While individual classifications and workplaces may have different priorities, the committee’s responsibility is to consider the interests of the membership.

Negotiations will be led by Kevin MacMullin, IUOE Local 727 Business Manager, with support from the Negotiating Committee, IUOE International representative Lorna Harum, and legal counsel through Pink Larkin, when required.

This ensures our bargaining team has the experience, resources, and support necessary to represent members effectively.

Understanding the Process

Collective bargaining involves exchanging proposals, discussing concerns, and working toward improvements to our Collective Agreement.

Some issues may be resolved quickly, while others will require additional discussions and difficult decisions. Disagreements and periods of limited progress are normal parts of negotiations.

It is also important to understand that not every proposal will necessarily be accepted by the Employer. Proposals may be modified or withdrawn as part of an overall bargaining strategy. This does not mean an issue was ignored or that the Union has abandoned its commitment to members.

Our objective is not simply to reach an agreement quickly, but to negotiate the strongest and fairest agreement reasonably achievable.

Communication and Confidentiality

We understand the importance of keeping members informed and are committed to providing meaningful updates throughout negotiations.

However, not every discussion or proposal can be shared while bargaining is ongoing. Some information must remain confidential to protect the Union’s bargaining position and prevent misunderstandings about proposals that have not been finalized.

Confidentiality is not about keeping members in the dark. It is about protecting the integrity of negotiations and the interests of our membership.

There may be periods when updates are limited, but that should not be interpreted as a lack of effort or progress. We encourage members to rely on official Union communications rather than rumours or speculation.

Your Voice Matters

Member involvement remains an important part of collective bargaining. We encourage you to ask questions, share concerns, and remain engaged throughout the process.

If a tentative agreement is reached, members will have an opportunity to review the proposed changes, ask questions, and vote through the ratification process.

The Negotiating Committee may recommend an agreement, but the final decision to accept or reject it rests with the membership.

Our Commitment to You

We recognize the demanding work performed by our members and the importance of having a Collective Agreement that reflects your responsibilities, protects your rights, and provides fair compensation and working conditions.

We cannot promise that every proposal will be successful, but we can assure you that your Negotiating Committee and Union leadership will approach bargaining prepared, informed, and committed to representing your best interests.

We will advocate strongly, make responsible decisions, communicate when appropriate, and remain accountable to the members we represent.

Our commitment is straightforward: protect what we have achieved, pursue meaningful improvements, and work toward the strongest possible Collective Agreement for our membership.

Thank you for your continued trust and support. By remaining informed, engaged, and united, we strengthen our position throughout negotiations.

In Solidarity,

IUOE Local 727
Union Leadership and Negotiating Committee
Phone: (902) 481-0523
Fax: (902) 481-0531
202 Brownlow Ave, Unit 420
Dartmouth, NS B3B 1X2