As the COVID-19 pandemic continues and the community transmission of the virus remains high we continue to adapt our operations to best serve our members while continuing to advance priority work.

CUPE 503 Office Operations: Our 503 Office Operations continue with staff working from home during this period of climbing cases in the National Capital Region. Staff are available to provide services to members seamlessly and can be reached by calling our general office number at 613-230-2456 or you can email [email protected]. If you require a Shop Steward for representation meetings please contact Heather at our office and she can connect you with a steward.

City of Ottawa Inside Outside Collective Agreement Negotiations: Our bargaining team continues to meet with the Employer for the scheduled dates that commenced mid-September and run through until mid-December. With the use of the training centre our team is able to meet in person safely with all COVID-19 protocols in place however our face to face time with the employer is done using technology. Bargaining in a virtual world does slow down the process however our team is doing their very best to advance the mandate provided by the members and we will continue to provide updates.

Ottawa Public Library Negotiations: The Ottawa Public Library bargaining team will convene early December to develop the membership survey and meet with our staff and legal team to start work on this round of negotiations. We expect a similar format as the City Inside/Outside virtual bargaining and will be announcing the online survey and the deadline to participate in the coming weeks.

Other Contract Negotiations: We also have the City Of Ottawa Part-time Recreation & Culture Collective Agreement, City of Ottawa Aquatics, City of Clarence Rockland, and Embassy West & Forrest Hill where we have served Notice to Bargain with all of the Employers.

We will continue to provide updates to the Membership using our CUPE 503 Website as timely as possible. COVID-19 does result in the current landscape shifting every few weeks (and days) and we continue to strive to be agile. We wish you and your families health and wellness during these very difficult times.