September 14, 2022 at 5:00 PM
As we have previously communicated on September 7
th, the parties agreed to meet with the Company to have an in-depth discussion on the rejection of the latest tentative agreement. These comprehensive discussions will continue with the Company on September 27, in Toronto. It is important to point out that this is not a bargaining meeting but rather a meeting to converse about the issues on why the agreement was rejected by the majority of our membership.
In the meantime, the decision was made to apply for Conciliation last week. Therefore, a Notice of Dispute under the Canada Labour Code has been filed to begin the Conciliation Process. The Conciliation Process is a step that must be complied with as outlined in the Canada Labour Code to allow the parties to reach a final solution to Collective Bargaining.
A Conciliation Officer was appointed on September 13, 2022, by the Minister of Labour. The conciliation process can last up to 60 days followed by 21 days of mediation. The Conciliation Officer will offer whatever assistance is requested by the parties.
In filing for conciliation, this does not alter in any way, our attention and determination to bargain a fair agreement for our members. We are looking forward to resuming negotiation talks with the assistance of the conciliator and will advise you when bargaining reconvenes.
WHAT IS CONCILIATION?
- Unifor files a Notice of Dispute to the Federal Minister of Labour
- Minister will appoint a Federal Conciliation Officer within 15 days
- The Conciliator will meet with the Union and Employer over a 60-day period to facilitate negotiations
- The parties may agree to extend the conciliation period if negotiations are progressing
- Conciliator files report to the Federal Minister of Labour once conciliation period is complete
- The parties enter a 21-day “cooling off” and mediation period
- At the end of the 21 days if no agreement has been reached the Mediator will file an additional report with the Minister of Labour
- While in the conciliation and the “cooling off” mediation period, the Company may not lock out employees and the Union may not take strike action. Strike action is only ever taken as a very last resort and only after conditions (such as a strike vote and 72 hours advance notice) are met.
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In Solidarity,
Your Unifor Bargaining Committee
Lucie Lapierre, Eastern Region – Chairperson
Astraea Sam, Western Region
Christine Bower, Pacific Region
Annette Boissonneault, Central Region and YQT
Wendy Barnes, Atlantic Region
Karl de Wit, Aircraft Services
Josée Genois, Assistant to the Local President
Shayne Fields, Unifor National Representative
For more information, please contact: