November 13, 2009 at 2:45 PM
Jazz Customer and Airport Services members of Local 2002 have rejected a tentative agreement reached with the employer on October 27, 2009. After a first tentative agreement was narrowly rejected in September, the parties returned to the negotiating table on October 26 and 27. Ratification meetings were held across the country from October 30 to November 10, 2009. More than 70 % of the members at 52 bases across the country participated in the ratification/strike vote meetings with 56% rejecting the agreement.
During this process the members provided the Union with a 56 % strike authorization. The Union is beginning preparations to issue the employer a 72-hour notice – the notice period legally required by the Federal Labour Code prior to being in a legal position to withhold services. While the CAW Constitution mandates that a 66% majority is normally required to authorize a strike, there are provisions in the Constitution that allow for the National Executive Board to Authorize a strike.
A meeting of the Jazz elected leadership and representatives from across the Country will be convened in Toronto in the coming weeks to be attended by CAW National President Ken Lewenza and National Secretary Treasurer Peter Kennedy. Under the Federal Labour Code a strike vote is in force for 60 days, at this point it is the intention of the Union to issue the 72 hours notice within this period.
Shirley Anderson-Mio, Bargaining Committee Chairperson, stated, "During the ratification meetings the members clearly expressed their frustrations of past contributions and sacrifices they have made to assist the employer in difficult times. These sacrifices need to be rewarded in a collective agreement that will result in membership ratification."
The Bargaining Committee will continue to call on the employer to meet the expectations of the membership. Jazz continues to be one of the most profitable employers in the Airline Sector.
For more information:
Shirley Anderson-Mio, Central Region, Bargaining Chairperson