Dear Unit 1 Members,
As we head into the final weeks of 2025, I wanted to reflect on some of the things that have been going on in Unit 1, and what’s to come in 2026.
The first quarter of the year saw us heading to the bargaining table to negotiate the new collective agreement. At the table we were able to bargain some of the best wage increases Unit 1 has seen in years, including a market adjustment to resolve the Bill 124 grievance. We saw improvements to our benefits plan, with the move from the Rx05 drug formulary to an open plan, which covers many more prescriptions for our members, increases to the evening and weekend shift premiums, and the move to require that all bargaining unit positions now be posted and competed.
In 2026 we will see more benefit improvements including the fertility coverage and the gender affirmation care coverage. We will also see the inclusion of some paid sick days for those on probation or STE contract (who currently don’t have access to any paid sick time).
We held update meetings at as many offsite locations as we could, bringing the Union to those members that don’t work on main campus. We will continue this in 2026 – with the goal of visiting the offsite locations at least once a year.
Our Unit 1 Vice-Chairperson, Aaron Geekie-Sousa, and I have some plans to make your Unit 1 representatives more accessible on main campus in 2026 – keep an eye out for more information.
We have a robust group of Unit 1 stewards, some returning to serve another term, and many new ones. They have jumped right into training and learning how to support our members. Remember – if you have a question or concern about your rights and entitlements under the collective agreement, your steward is your first point of contact.
For those members that have to work during the closure, please check your pay stubs to ensure Article 16.05 (d) “Working on a Paid Holiday” has been applied correctly. If there are any issues or errors with your pay, please let your supervisor know right away.
As 2025 comes to a close, I am wishing all members a happy, healthy, and restful holiday season – and a very happy new year. See you in 2026!
In Solidarity,
Meghan Forbes
Unit 1 Chairperson
Unifor 5555