July 14, 2009 at 3:45 PM
The Bargaining Committee met with the Company July 6th through to July 9th in Toronto. So far the employer has only offered to concession bargain. Not only are they denying the return of what we gave up in CCAA, but they are asking for more concessions through productivity, flexibility and competitiveness.
Productivity:
- A minimum guarantee of hours per week
- Issues with Vacation and Time Bank conversion
- Night Shift (5x2)
- Employee Attendance
Flexibility:
- Work Schedules: add 6x3 and 4x2 shifts to acceptable work schedules
- Remove any references to separate locations
Competitiveness:
- Vacations Prorated for Maternity Leave and Sick Leave
- Vacations/Top Ups: to a maximum of 6% from 2% per week
- Pay Scale/Wages : Competitiveness
Because of these outstanding issues, the Bargaining Committee filed for conciliation on Monday July 13, 2009. This does not mean we are not willing and available to continue discussions with the Company.
Conciliation Process:
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.
We have tentative dates for bargaining scheduled August 24th through to 28th. We will continue to keep you updated as this process develops.
In solidarity,
Your Jazz CSA/ACS Bargaining Committee,
Shirley Anderson-Mio, Central Region, Chairperson
Janice Mackey, Pacific Region, CSA
Berni Viczko, Western Region, CSA
Huw Callard, West Region, ACS
Robert Pomanti, Eastern Region, ACS
Josie Genois, Quebec, CSA
Andrea Batten, Atlantic Region, CSA
Joel Fournier, CAW National Representative
For more information:
Shirley Anderson-Mio, Central Region, Chairperson