PASS Members District 266: Update – Arbitration & Collective Bargaining

April 22, 2025 at 10:44 AM
 
Last week, District 266 leadership held a meeting that included your Bargaining Committee, along with Local 2002 President Tammy Moore and Vice President Jan Sills. We covered a number of important topics and had productive discussions surrounding the issues affecting the membership.
 
One of the key items we would like to highlight pertains to grievances currently proceeding to arbitration. 
 
WHAT IS ARBITRATION?
 
In Canada, federal labour arbitration is a dispute resolution process where a neutral third party—an arbitrator or arbitration board—hears arguments and renders a binding decision on workplace disputes, particularly those involving collective agreements. Governed by the Canada Labour Code, arbitration ensures that disputes are resolved fairly and efficiently, without the need for prolonged legal proceedings. 
 
Currently, District 266 has 11 grievances scheduled for arbitration at the end of May 2025. These grievances range from issues such as access to water/water bottles to scope violations.
 
While arbitration can be a lengthy process, it is a fair and thorough. Once a grievance reaches Step 3 of the process, it is carefully reviewed by the District Chairperson, our Unifor National Staff Representative, and the Assistant to the President of Local 2002. Grievances that are deemed to have a strong chance of success are advanced to arbitration (step 4).
 
At this stage, both the Union and the Company must agree on an arbitrator. Once selected, we then request the arbitrator’s availability – which can sometimes be over a year away due to high demand.
 
During the arbitration, both sides present their arguments and evidence, including witness testimony. After hearing the case, the arbitrator issues a final and binding decision. With 11 grievances scheduled over five days, it's possible we may not be able to complete all of them within that timeframe. If necessary, we will coordinate additional dates to ensure each grievance is properly heard.
 
We will continue to keep you informed as both arbitration and bargaining progress. 
   In Solidarity,
 Your Bargaining Committee
Kelly Wilson – Bargaining Committee Chairperson/District Chairperson D266
Tammy Moore – President, Unifor Local 2002
Jan Sills – Vice President, Unifor Local 2002
Harold Bateman – Assistant to the Unifor Local 2002 President