A bargaining proposal is any improvement or change you would like to see in your collective agreement. It can involve wages, benefits, working conditions, changes to language, and much more.
It is sometimes called a “bargaining demand.”
All members have the right to put forward a bargaining proposal for consideration by their local.
Bargaining proposals are decided on at a local General Membership or Special Meeting. This is also where locals elect delegates – members to represent them at the bargaining conference.
This meeting must have “quorum” which means a certain minimum percentage of local members must attend.
Once a motion is put forward and seconded, a discussion (debate) takes place, followed by a vote.
In public sector bargaining associations, your local executive submits it as a bargaining proposal to HEU’s Provincial Office.
Individual members may not submit proposals that were not approved by their local.
How to write a public sector bargaining proposal
A bargaining proposal has two parts:
- A call for action – what you’re hoping to achieve.
- The reason for the proposal – why the change is needed.
A clearly written, easy-to-understand proposal has a much better chance of being accepted. It also helps to talk to your co-workers before the meeting to get their support, and encourage them to attend and vote for it.
It can be specific, such as “Raise vision care benefits to $750 per year” or it can be more general, such as “HEU will bargain to improve wages.”
There are two styles of writing that can be used in bargaining proposals -- plain language, or formal. Either are acceptable.
Here’s an example of a general bargaining proposal written in plain language.
HEU will: Bargain to improve wages.
Because: Wages need to keep pace with the rising cost of living, including housing and groceries, inflation is at its highest in decades, and HEU members and their families are struggling to make ends meet.
You can also submit a bargaining proposal in the traditional formal language:
Whereas wages need to keep pace with the rising cost of living, including housing and groceries; and
Whereas inflation is at its highest in decades; and
Whereas HEU members and their families are struggling to make ends meet.
Therefore be it resolved that HEU bargain to improve wages.
If you want to change something that is already in the agreement, include a note about where it can be found. This helps the bargaining committee understands the exact change your local wants.
For example: We want laid-off members to receive severance pay after five years of service, not 10. (Article 43, facilities subsector).
