Unifor and Ornge enter new phase of bargaining

Unifor and Ornge enter new phase of bargaining

January 21, 2017 at 5:00 PM

  

During the summer of 2015 – prior to the collective agreement expiring on October 31, 2015 – your bargaining began preparing membership surveys and scheduling proposal meetings with members from all bases. This process allowed the committee to clearly understand the needs of the membership prior to negotiating with the company.

We have met on a number of occasions since we first began bargaining with Ornge in October, 2015. The process has taken many different twists and turns along the way. During the last number of months, we have been utilizing the expertise of Arbitrator Tom Hodges as a mediator.

To date, we have agreed to a number of issues at the bargaining table. The more contentious matters such as wages increases, rest periods (Article 26) and scheduling, are still to be agreed upon.

However, the bargaining process has reached an impasse where neither party is willing to deviate from their current positions. As such, we have agreed to move the process forward to an Interest Arbitration based forum. What does this mean? Arbitrator Tom Hodges has advised the parties to provide him with certain documents and final arguments on all outstanding issues no later than February 24, 2017.

Additionally, all parties are currently working to firm up a date in the later part of March for the purposes of presenting final oral reply arguments to the Arbitrator.

There is still a considerable amount of work involved as we work towards the February 24th deadline. Unifor intends to utilize all resources available; Local and National Representatives, research department and legal counsel.

As we work through the process we will continue to keep you informed. We thank you for your continued support and your patience.

Please ensure that you have subscribed to Unifor 2002's e-news service.

  

In solidarity,

Your Unifor District 344 Bargaining Committee:
Chuck Telky, Chairperson
Mike Chad, Southern Base Bargaining Representative
Dan Lefebvre, Northern Base Bargaining Representative
Ashley Watkins, Assistant to the Local President
Cheryl Robinson, Local 2002 President
Kelly Anne Orr, Unifor National Staff Representative

  

  

For more information, please contact:
Ashley Watkins, Assistant to the Local President

  

  

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