The first step of the bargaining committee is to notify the employer 90 days before a contract expires the intention to enter negotiations. Than the committee gathers a list of demands from the membership. After determining what the membership wants the bargaining committee meets to discuss how this language looks when compare to the current contract. The committee decides how this language should read before meeting with the employer.
It seems arbitrary but language is key. It is important to clarify what the result of the clause in the contract should be. There should be only one way to interpret the language to avoid confusion after the contract is agreed upon. Once the committee has compiled this list of demands they meet with the executive to discuss the next steps in the bargaining process.
Your local 1041 has compiled a list of demands and is currently working on the language. We have notified the employer of our intention to bargain and are awaiting a response.
Stay tuned for the next update.