CUPE Local 1974 – Membership Update
Weekend Violation Grievances
Dear Members,
Your Union has been working hard on your behalf to resolve the issue of weekend scheduling violations under Article G (2) – Weekends Off of our Collective Agreement.
CA Language – WEEKENDS OFF Full Time Employees: The Hospital will schedule two (2) weekends off in four (4), but if the employee is required to work on a third or subsequent consecutive weekend of duty, they shall be paid at the rate of time and one-half (1½) their regular salary for the hours involved
Part Time Employees: The Hospital will schedule one (1) weekend off in four (4), but if the employee is required to work a fourth and subsequent consecutive weekend of duty, they shall be paid at the rate of time and one-half (1 ½) their regular salary for the hours involved.
Exception to the above apply when:
(a) such weekend has been worked by an employee to satisfy specific days off requested by such employees;
(b) such employee has requested weekend work;
(c) such weekend is worked as a result of an exchange of shifts with another employee.
Although the original language was intended to cover only the “hours involved” in a violation, at some point in the last five years the practice shifted to cover all hours worked. When the Hospital tried to revert back to the narrower interpretation without notice, your Union immediately stepped in, filed grievances, and pushed back firmly.
Through consultations with our National Representative and legal counsel, and by standing firm in our grievance and bargaining processes, we secured a resolution that delivers real compensation for members and ensures fairness during this transition:
- From September 8 – December 28, 2025: Weekend violation premiums will be paid using the broader practice members have come to expect – covering all hours worked during a violation.
- Effective December 29, 2025 onward: The Hospital will apply the language as it was originally intended, with premiums applying to the hours involved in the violation.
Compensation for Members
- Members who filed a grievance will receive compensation for all hours worked from the dates within their grievance filed through December 28, 2025.
- Members who did not file will still benefit from the Sept 8 – Dec 28, 2025 period, if scheduled into a weekend violation cycle during that time.
This agreement ensures no member is left behind. We not only secured meaningful compensation for grievors but also guaranteed that all members receive the broader premium pay for a defined transition period. This is a positive and fair outcome under the circumstances and demonstrates the value of having a strong, active Union advocating for you.
While we would have preferred to keep the broader practice permanently, we know that an arbitrator would have upheld the original wording. Instead of accepting less, we fought hard and won a balanced resolution that recognizes your work, ensures compensation, and gives us a fair path forward.
Next Steps
For those who filed grievances, we will be contacting you directly to review the Memorandum of Agreement and the details of your compensation. For all members, your Union remains committed to monitoring scheduling and defending your rights every step of the way.
Questions or Concerns?
Please feel free to contact the Union office or speak with any member of your CUPE 1974 Executive. We are always here to support you.
In solidarity,
CUPE Local 1974 Executive
