How to write a bargaining demand
Writing good bargaining demands is easier than it looks! Following the call for bargaining proposals issued by PSAC in preparation for our next round of collective bargaining for the FB group, CIU has prepared the following guidance to help you draft the best possible demands.
In addition to the recommendations below, we encourage you to discuss your proposals with your Branch President to avoid the duplication of demands.
The information below is based on material prepared by PSAC, including the article What makes a good bargaining demand?, which we encourage you to review.
What makes a strong demand?
- Strong demands should:
- Uphold the overarching principles of unionism: Fairness, equity, solidarity
- Address workplace problems and members' needs
- Tackle significant changes in the workplace that have occurred during the life of the collective agreement
- Replace weak language that have caused the union to lose grievances
- Strong demands require strong support, such as:
- Evidence, such as unreasonable denials by management
- Ongoing campaigns
- In-depth studies
- Precedents (for example, from other bargaining agents and other collective agreements)
How to format a strong demand
- A strong demand should include two parts, the demand and the rationale:
- Demand: As clear and concise as possible, including references to articles where appropriate.
- Rationale: Explain the principle behind the demand, provide evidence to support the demand where possible.
- Submit multiple demands separately, on their own. Avoid including several demands in a single submission.
Demands to avoid
- Demands that seek to enforce existing language (in other words, demands that should be covered by a grievance)
- Demands regarding matters covered by a different process (for example, staffing and health & dental benefits are not covered by collective bargaining)
- Demands that aren’t supported by evidence
- Demands that aren’t clearly written
FB bargaining: submit proposals online until December 5, 2025
FB members, what changes or improvements do you want to see in the next collective agreement? This is your chance to shape our priorities at the bargaining table. Member participation is critical to our strength and to winning better working conditions.
You can submit proposals using the online form until December 5, 2025.
Submit a proposal
Proposals will be reviewed and brought to the next FB bargaining conference — March 24–26, 2026 in Ottawa — where delegates from branches across the country will prioritize them for negotiations.