SSB and CWU Meet to Resolve Collective Bargaining Dispute

The Social Security Board and the Christian Workers Union (CWU) met today to iron out their differences. Last week, unionized workers at the SSB launched a “black ribbon” campaign, claiming the SSB had violated portions of their collective bargaining agreement. The union alleged the board is acting in bad faith and has blatantly disrespected its CBA. However, SSB Chief Executive Officer, Deborah Ruiz, stated today that the statutory body is unaware of the apparent infractions committed.

Deborah Ruiz, CEO, SSB: “Well I am to meet with the union today to find out exactly what is the issue because honestly I don’t know what the issue is. We did have an agreement signed last year, December, you may recall. So I do have a meeting this afternoon to find out exactly. As far as management is concerned we have no breach of any agreement. So I want to get a clear understanding what exactly is their issue. They may not agree with certain management decisions but that is not a breach of the CBA. So I just want clarity and we are going to speak to that this afternoon.”

Reporter: May it have to do with the issue we saw I think earlier in this year, maybe late last year, pertaining to one employee who they said the union, sorry, the SSB didn’t move in accordance with time ?

Deborah Ruiz, CEO, SSB: “As far as I know that is not one of the issues that was put forward on the table for me to discuss today, so I’m not aware that is an issue for them.”

Reporter: So it’s that there is a CBA in place but it seems that the union is somewhat saying that SSB has breached that CBA? 
Deborah Ruiz, CEO, SSB: “That is what I understand they have been saying on their Facebook page. They have not approached management with that breach as they say. I have not seen any breach.”

Our newsroom reached out to the CWU for an update on the situation following the meeting, but our efforts were to no avail.