January 10, 2008 at 12:00 AM
New Page 2
Unified bargaining unit must have
representation from operational and non-operational GTAA classifications
In a submission to the Canadian Industrial
Relations Board (CIRB) the CAW has proposed a unified bargaining structure for
all consolidating groups at the GTAA. As a result of consultations with both CAW
and PSAC represented employees the CAW has proposed a unified structure to the
CIRB that will have the following benefits to members:
- Employees represented by the CAW and those
currently in PSAC Locals 4 and 5 should be consolidated into one bargaining
unit representing both operational (blue collar) and non-operational (white
collar) employees. The unified structure will group as many employees as
possible into the consolidated bargaining unit and thereby maximize job
transfer opportunities and mobility rights for members.
- A unified bargaining structure at the GTAA
will enhance the bargaining power of the CAW after a representational vote of
the affected employees.
- The CAW will ensure the participation of both
operational and non-operational classifications in the future Bargaining
Committee so the career objectives of each group can be more fully realized.
PSAC and the GTAA will have until January 21,
2008 to respond to the CAW’s consolidation proposal. Once PSAC and the GTAA have
filed their response the CAW has until January 28, 2008 to make further comments
to the CIRB on the structure of the future bargaining unit.
On February 5 and 6 the CIRB will convene a
hearing to settle the CAW’s unfair labour complaint against GTAA management for
favoring PSAC in the consolidation process. The CAW believes the CIRB should use
the February hearing to set fair and reasonable rules for a representational
campaign between the CAW and PSAC so all GTAA employees can have a democratic
process to choose their future Union.