14 March, 2021

Dear Member;

After repeated refusals by Hydro to return to the table with a better offer, and after its recurrent denial to negotiate an Essential Services Agreement that would guarantee binding arbitration if negotiations could not be concluded within 10 days, the Union examined what course of action might still result in bargaining progress.  The Bargaining Committee deliberated on what, if any, options were open to it.  The result was a decision to request that Hydro deliver its Final Offer to the Bargaining Committee in order that it might present it to the membership for a vote.

The Bargaining Committee feels that while members have been very supportive of the strike actions taken to date, needlessly extending this hardship on the members was not in anyone's best interests. It feels that Hydro must either seriously reconsider its offer on the understanding that it will only be allowed one final chance, or if it is not going to be moved, then it must live with the outcome of a membership vote.

Once we are in receipt of the Final Offer, the Bargaining Committee will have to review it carefully and determine whether it should go out with a recommendation to "accept" or to "reject" the offer. We are currently awaiting Hydro's response and you will be kept apprised of developments.

In solidarity,

Business Manager
IBEW Local Union 2034