A week ago your executive met in Richmond and your negotiating team stayed for the Monday for an employer-granted bargaining prep day. The following three days were filled with more research, discussion, proposal presentations and counter-proposals during active bargaining.

It is a slow arduous process and while nothing substantive has been achieved to date, the process is allowing for clear communication of the positions on both sides of the table. The only concrete evidence of progress is agreement over several 'housekeeping' items and the withdrawal of two minor proposals on the part of the employer. Small progress is still in fact progress.

We were very happy to have our CUPE National Rep Sheena Murdoch join us for all three days and we are able to rely on her knowledge and connections throughout our journey to a new Collective Agreement.

We return to Richmond for bargaining on January 31st to Feb 2nd.