May 28, 2009 at 11:45 PM
BARGAINING UPDATE
The Bargaining Committee met with the Employer four days over the past week for Collective Bargaining. Discussions were productive and inroads were being made in several areas when the process was abruptly interrupted. It came to the attention of both Parties that CAMFA had its legal council file to the Labour Board for access to the workplace. This was further aggravated as the Labour Board advised both parties that written submissions for the argument had to be received no later than Monday June 1, 2009. This is taking valuable time and resources away from the Parties involved with the Bargaining Process.
Along with this disruption, we believe that Air Canada has informed all its Unions to have resolutions for their respective Collective Agreements submitted in very near future. Failing this there is the very real possibility that Air Canada could take other actions. It must be understood that actions taken by Air Canada will impact Jazz. This is the reason that the Bargaining Committee wanted to expedite the Bargaining Process and negotiate a new Collective Agreement.
The Union and Employer have agreed to meet on June 16th and 17th as originally scheduled.
Conciliation Process
On May 13, 2009, the CAW filed for conciliation. Once the formal appointment of a Conciliation Officer has been completed, time lines come into place. First, there is a sixty (60) day Conciliation Process whereby the Officer will assist in areas requested by the parties. After the sixty day period has elapsed, the Officer takes on more of a Mediator role and will attempt to get the Parties moving in areas that are deemed close to resolution. This period will last twenty-one (21) days. If there is reason to believe the parties are close to a “Deal” and need more time with the Officer, both Parties can mutually agree to extend the process to reach a resolution. Failing a resolution, this process will have been deemed to have met the guidelines set out by the Canada Labour Code. Therefore with a Legal Strike Vote in place and the seventy-two (72) hours notice filed, the Parties would find themselves in a Legal Strike or Lock Out position. These options are nothing either Party wants and will attempt vigorously to avoid.
Jazz Tech Bargaining Committee,
John Murawesky, Jazz Tech Bargaining Committee Chair
Peter Brown, YYC
Ian Waite, YXU
Ghobud Khorasani, YYZ
Daniel Marion, YUL
Dave Gylland, YHZ
Roberto Lampasona, Tech II
Bob Orr, Assistant to the President CAW Canada
Ron Smith, National Representative CAW Canada
For more information:
John Murawesky, Jazz Tech Bargaining Committee Chair