SkyLink Express: Conciliation Update

SkyLink Express: Conciliation Update

June 13, 2022 at 5:00 PM

  

This bulletin is a follow up to our May 9th communication concerning the conciliation process between Unifor and SkyLink Express. As a result of Unifor filing a notice of dispute to the Federal Minister of Labour, Ms. Kim Beemer has been appointed to the case as Conciliation Officer/Mediator to oversee discussions.

Unifor has been diligently trying to secure meeting dates with the employer, but have endured challenges securing time-off for its bargaining committee. It is essential for these members to be present during negotiations, however, this employer has not been cooperative in our efforts to secure time off.

  

MAINTENANCE OF ACTIVITIES AGREEMENT

SkyLink Express has retained legal counsel from an employment and labour lawyer who is coaching the employer to apply for a Maintenance of Activities agreement, specifying their operation must be continued in the event of a “strike or lockout to prevent immediate and serious danger to the health and safety on the public.”

Additionally, the employer has taken the position that it must continue to operate within all of their bases since part of its operation functions to “transport vital supplies to Canadians.” Unifor maintains the position that a Maintenance of Activities agreement is not required. However, the employer is insisting otherwise.

Skylink Express also insists they have 90% of pilots active in the event of a strike or lockout.

If this employer is concerned with maintaining operational requirements, and providing vital supplies to Canadians, they should retool their negotiations strategy and return to the bargaining table immediately. Unifor representatives are eager to resume discussions under the conciliation process.

  

NEXT STEPS

SkyLink Express have provided submissions to the Canada Industrial Relations Board (“CIRB”) and Unifor’s legal team is working on responding to these submissions. Your union continues to push forward to get the employer back to the bargaining table and continue negotiations with the assistance of Ms. Beemer, Conciliation Officer/Mediator.

Although this process has not been easy, your Unifor Committee knows that the membership is behind them and are eager to get a deal done. We appreciate your support and solidarity, and will provide an update as soon as we have more information to share.

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.

  

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

  

  

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

  

  

22-06-13 Skylink conciliation Update EN.txt