Raises and Bonuses,
This item has always been a difficult point ever since we became unionized those many years ago. I realize that cash and the remuneration that we are paid for what we do is a significant measurement of success or failure. It is true that Non Unionized associates will be receiving a 1500.00 bonus this year. This is tough considering the Union bargained a 750.00 bonus.
I think we need to look at what a bonus actually does. Lump sum payments that are made year over year actually reduce the wages of employees. The Non unionized associates of our place of employment have not received a raise for the last 4 years. Im not sure what the rate of inflation was for that same time frame was, but as we all know consumer prices don't stop going up because our pay does.
The current situation that we find ourselves in is as follows. Bonuses of 1500.00 were announced to non unionized associates. The employer is also talking about possible raises in July, however the payout for them has not been confirmed pending the out come of the current provincial election, and the approval of the a provincial budget. We are in a position to wait and see if the employer announces raises in July. If that is what transpires then it would be more beneficial for us to accept the raise later than the bonus now. I will be consulting with the bargaining team to figure out our next steps.
I don' t know at this time if there is going to be any retroactive considerations in the event of a raise back to April 1st. If that is something that transpires then the union will ask that question of the employer if it becomes necessary.
