*Note: This article was originally published on February 9th, 2022 but was updated on February 22nd, 2022 to change word choice. The factual content of the article has been untouched.
At the end of November 2022, the AEON-Amity Branch held its first collective bargaining session with the company.
The first purpose of negotiations is always to establish a cooperative relationship between labourand management in order to ensure mutual improvement and prosperity. Sometimes, that goal is challenged throughout the course of negotiations. However, negotiations with AEON are so far inspiring a sense of goodwill as the company has implemented some changes that address concerns union members brought up.
First off, General Union requested live training drills for fire and earthquake emergencies for all staff. Shortly after, it was reported that AEON managers had been calling brick-and-mortars, quizzing them about emergency preparedness. Then, last January, the company conducted a nationwide emergency communications test.
General Union also asked the company to provide a channel for employees to consult with emergency medical professionals. At an online workers’ meeting later on, contact details for the company’s occupational health team was disseminated.
Lastly, General Union asked the company to help resolve recurring scheduling mishaps at schools by standardizing class times throughout the day across the country. Recently, a memorandum was circulated, notifying workers that the start time of the final lesson of the day will be standardized nationally.
The AEON-Amity Branch are excited about these recent developments at their workplace and are eagerly looking forward to more positive changes. Let’s wish the AEON-Amity Branch luck in improving workplace conditions as another collective bargaining session looms over the horizon!