December 6, 2021 at 2:30 PM
Since negotiations began on September 8, 2021, with Propair, your bargaining committee has met with the company 12 times. The non-monetary demands have been finalized as we communicated to you a few days ago. At the last meeting with the employer on December 3, we found ourselves in a deadlock on our monetary demands and as a result, Unifor decided not to extend the conciliation period.
Next step: Mediation/ Cooling off period
We are therefore entering the mediation period commonly known as the "cooling-off period" which is 21 days. During this period, the company cannot lock out employees and the union cannot strike.
- When this 21-day period has elapsed, the company could order a lockout and the union could strike after the conditions have been met: 72 hours notice (After obtaining a strike vote from our members)
- To be able to strike or for the Company to order a lockout, an agreement on essential services must be concluded in advance
Maintenance of activities (Essential Services)
A maintenance of activities agreement is an agreement between the employer and the trade union confirming that in the event of a lockout or a strike, the supply of services, operation of facilities, or production of goods to the extent necessary must continue to prevent immediate and serious danger to the safety or health of the public.
Last July, Propair filed an application to maintain certain essential services and Unifor objected. The Canada Industrial Relations Board will then have to decide the matter. Moreover, hearings are scheduled for the first week of March 2022. In the meantime, neither the employer nor Unifor can order a strike or lockout until a decision is rendered by the Canada Industrial Relations Board on the dispute.
We look forward to reaching an agreement with the employer, but we are also aware of our members' priorities and will do everything we can to reach a negotiated agreement without having to take drastic measures. The next negotiation meetings are scheduled for January 26 to 28, 2022.
We would like to take this opportunity to wish all our Propair members the warmest greetings of the season and best wishes in the new year. Your Bargaining Committee is committed to keeping you informed on developments as they unfold.
Please ensure you have subscribed to Unifor 2002
e-news at
unifor2002.org.
In Solidarity,
Your Unifor Bargaining Committee
Quentin Verchère, Bargaining Committee Representative
Joel Jegou, Bargaining Committee Representative
Josée Genois, Assistant to the Local President
Ronald Nantel, Unifor National Representative
For more information, please contact:
Josée Genois, Assistant to the Local President