SkyLink Express: Bargaining update from Unifor

SkyLink Express: Bargaining update from Unifor

July 18, 2022 at 3:30 PM

  

This bulletin is a follow up to our June 13, 2022 communication.

The Unifor Bargaining Committee met [virtually] along with Conciliator Kim Beemer on June 21, 2022. The employer, union and conciliator were scheduled to meet to negotiate on June 23, however, due to the workload required to discuss and prepare counter proposals, this day was spent by the individual parties caucusing and preparing for the next meeting date(s).

Negotiations continue to move slowly, as we still face challenges securing consecutive days off for our bargaining committee, as it is essential for all members of the committee to be present during negotiations.

We have secured additional dates for July 18, 20, 25, 27, and 28, 2022.

  

WHERE WE ARE IN THE NEGOTIATIONS PROCESS

The conciliation deadline was originally scheduled to conclude today – July 18, 2022. However, late last week, SkyLink Express approached Unifor seeking mutual agreement to extend the conciliation timeline by 30-days. The union has agreed to the extension, as the Maintenance of Activities agreement is still outstanding. Additionally, the extension of the timelines will provide the opportunity for the union and the employer to continue to negotiate in good faith without putting either party on a tightened deadline, which occurs once the conciliation process expires.

Once the conciliation period expires, we will enter a 21-day mediation (cooling off period), which cannot be extended, and after which either party has the ability to legally strike or lockout. However, until the labour board renders a decision with regards to the Maintenance of Activities agreement, neither party may exercise their right to strike or lockout.

Your Unifor Bargaining Committee, with the assistance of Unifor legal counsel, believes this to be the most strategic way to achieve a fair and equitable first collective agreement for you.

  

MAINTENANCE OF ACTIVITIES AGREEMENT

Unifor’s legal counsel has provided the required submissions within the required timelines for the Maintenance of Activities agreement. Unfortunately, SkyLink Express did not complete their end of the process, and have since applied for a further extension for their subsequent submissions. Unifor was notified on July 14 that the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) granted the employer’s request for extension and that further submissions by both parties would be required.

It is important to understand the impact that the Maintenance of Activities agreement has on the negotiations process. The Canada Labour Code stipulates that during a strike or lockout, the employer and the employees of the bargaining unit must continue the supply of services, operation of facilities or production of goods to the extent necessary to prevent an immediate and/or serious danger to the safety or health of the public. The Maintenance of Activities agreement determines what services, if any, must continue to take place in the event of withholding our labour as a result of a dispute.

Unifor’s next steps will be determined based on both the employer’s submissions, as well as further decisions rendered by the Canada Industrial Relations Board.

Unifor’s legal department continues to assist your Bargaining Committee throughout this process.

  

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It is important for our membership to remain united and strong throughout this process. The power of our bargaining unit resides with you, the members.

We understand that the process can be frustrating and that there may be anxiety around what is or is not happening with regards to your first collective agreement. We want to ensure you that the Unifor Bargaining Committee is working very hard behind the scenes strategizing, preparing counter proposals, coordinating and working with Unifor legal counsel on the Maintenance of Activities agreement. We are doing everything possible to achieve the very best deal possible for you.

As soon as we have further information, we will promptly provide those details to you.

  

Thank you for your continued strength and solidarity.

  

In Solidarity,

Your Unifor Bargaining Committee
Andrew Henry, Bargaining Committee Member
Denise Cochrane, Assistant to the Local 2002 President
Bruce Snow, Unifor National Transportation Director

  

  

If you have not already subscribed to Unifor 2002’s E-NEWS service, please click the following link to stay up to date on important union/employee communications.

  

  

For more information, please contact: Denise Cochrane, Assistant to the Local President

  

  

22-07-18 Skylink bargaining update from Unifor EN.txt