June 17, 2008
PSAC/CFIA Bargaining Unit
Lots of talk, lots to ponder, not much settled
Your CFIA Bargaining Team met in Ottawa from May 31 to June 5 -- in caucus for the first two days and then in talks with the employer through June 5 . We had exstensive discussions with the employer about personnel selection leave, education leave without pay, career development leave with pay, examination leave with pay and leave with or without pay for other reasons. We rejected the employer's attempt to modify article 37 on vacation leave with pay.
Our major topic for discussion centred on the issue of pay for time worked, including preparation time, wash-up time and non payment for overtime of less than 15 minutes. The parties freely exchanged comments and ideas to attempt to address some of the Unions concerns. The employer will take back some of our ideas to seek a resolution for this issue. We expect that when we get back to the table, the discussion will continue and we hope for a negotiated solution for our concerns.
The issue of harassment was also raised with the employer. We proposed to expand the current restrictive definition of sexual harassment in the collective agreement in order to prevent against all sources and forms of harassment. We also strongly expressed belief in the need for harassment training within CFIA.
We informed the employer about our views on the articles addressing medical appointments for pregnant employees, injury-on-duty leave, leave without pay for the care of immediate family and bereavement leave with pay. The Team was informed that we will receive the employer's response at a later date.
We did sign off on one employer proposal to streamline the treatment of fractions and decimals in the collective agreement. Meanwhile we are waiting for the employer to provide statistical information on a number of issues before the next session, which is scheduled for the end of September.
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Date Modified : 2008/11/18
Public Service Alliance of Canada | 233, Gilmour Street, Ottawa, ONTARIO CANADA, K2P 0P1, Tel.: 1 888 604-7722 (PSAC)