Collective bargaining is the process through which unions negotiate with employers over wages, working conditions, rights and protections in the collective agreement.
Traditionally, these negotiations take place behind closed doors, with only the employer and a small group of elected union representatives present. Members generally learn about what happened through communication updates from their bargaining team.
Open Bargaining and the Different Approach
Open bargaining invites union members to observe negotiations as they happen, giving them a firsthand look at how their collective agreement is negotiated, how decisions are made, and how their employer responds to union proposals.
At AMUSE, we believe members should have opportunities to understand and participate in the processes that directly affect their working lives.
Why does open bargaining matter?
Transparency and accountability allows members to see how negotiations unfold, what their union is proposing, why, and how McGill responds. This helps members better understand the bargaining process and holds both the union and the employer accountable.
A union is more than its Executive or bargaining teams. Our strength comes from the members!!! Having members present at negotiations is a reminder that the bargaining team represents a much larger group of workers (anywhere from 1,300 - 1,600 workers!). An engaged membership is an important part of collective power at the bargaining table, and in our workplaces!
How does it work?! Where do I sign up!?
AMUSE members can sign up to attend bargaining sessions with McGill as observers.
Observers are not expected to negotiate or speak on behalf of the union during sessions. The bargaining team remains responsible for presenting proposals and conducting negotiations. Members receive onboarding and guidance on what to expect before attending a session!
You do not need to be a union expert!
You don’t need previous experience or understanding of labour law, or extensive knowledge about our collective agreement to participate. In fact, that’s part of the point! This is also an opportunity to learn, and see your union in action! Whether you’re attending out of curiosity , because an issue directly affects your workplace, or because you’d like to get more involved with AMUSE, you are welcome!
Our collective agreement affects hundreds of AMUSE members working across McGill in a wide range of positions and workplaces.Open bargaining is one way we’re making our union more transparent, democratic and accessible to its members.
Hear some feedback from AMUSE members who have attended!!
“It was very cool to see how the negotiation process works and what kinds of discussions the McGill HR and our union have and how that affects our day-to-day jobs! I gained a new level of appreciation for the amount of time and effort the union puts into advocating for us” - Residence Life Facilitator
“Open Bargaining gave me insight on the efforts of the union to support me as a worker, and it helped me understand how difficult the process can be. Prior to attending, I was unaware of what the union did, but throughout the session, I developed a better understanding both of the rights I already have and those that the union is working to gain.
I appreciated the transparency of the process and feel that it’s important to show the employer that employees such as myself care about our rights. Also, because I work multiple jobs at McGill, I was able to provide some insight on my work experiences” -Phonathon Caller
“Open bargaining was an excellent opportunity to learn about the labour relations between my union and the Employer. Even after attending just a half session, I felt ready to advocate for myself more at work.” -Hub Peer Supporter
“I have always wanted to attend the open bargainings because I wanted to see and support my peers who fight to get all of us more rights and benefits. As a union with many young workers, it is important to stay informed and hold the management team accountable. I believe open bargaining is a great place to learn more about what rights we have and how we have obtained them.” -Residence Life Facilitator
So, are you interested in attending a session? It all starts with a conversation. Contact AMUSE at outreach@amusepsac.org!
