July 22, 2025 at 2:28 PM
As the tentative agreement was not ratified on July 11th, the union filed for mediation with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services (FMCS) on July 15th. The mediation process will begin within 15 days of that date, and a mediator will be appointed. The mediation period will last for 60 days, during which both the Company and Unifor will be contacted to arrange bargaining meetings.
If no agreement is reached within the 60-day mediation period, the parties will enter a 21-day conciliation period, often referred to as the "cooling off" period, during which they can continue negotiations. Both parties have the option to request an extension of the bargaining period if progress is being made.
WHAT IS CONCILIATION?
- Unifor files a Notice of Dispute to the Federal Minister of Labour
- Minister will appoint a Federal Conciliation Officer within 15 days
- The Conciliator will meet with the Union and Employer over 60 days to facilitate negotiations
- The parties may agree to extend the conciliation period if negotiations are progressing
- Conciliator files report to the Federal Minister of Labour once conciliation period is complete
- The parties enter a 21-day “cooling off” and mediation period
- At the end of the 21 days, if no agreement has been reached, the Mediator will file an additional report with the Minister of Labour
- While in the conciliation and the “cooling off” mediation period, the Company may not lock out employees and the Union may not take strike action. Strike action is only ever taken as a very last resort and only after conditions (such as a strike vote and 72 hours advance notice) are met.
We stand strong in our commitment to securing a fair and just agreement for all members. Rest assured, we will keep you informed every step of the way as we continue to fight for your rights.
In Solidarity
Your Bargaining Committee,
Anca Pricop, Bargaining Committee Representative
Christina Sahota, Bargaining Committee Representative
Mark Seager, Bargaining Committee Representative
Theresa Amicarelli, Assistant to Unifor 2002 President
Sandi McManus, Director of Airlines Sector
Tammy Moore, President of Unifor Local 2002