July 17, 2008
Next step: Mediation
On June 25, 2008, the Public Service Labour Relations Board (PSLRB) informed both the PSAC and Parks Canada that a mediator had been appointed. We have maintained throughout our communications with the Board that we believe mediation is premature, especially with an employer who refuses to deal with our bargaining unit's critical issues. However, we fully intend to follow directions from the Board.
In April, Parks Canada asked your bargaining team to return to the table where they promised that they would discuss and negotiate the substantive issues of the bargaining unit. We agreed to return to the table and stated that we would remain there until we reached an agreement with the employer. Unfortunately, the employer did not address those issues and again walked away from the bargaining table saying they would apply for mediation. Most importantly, Parks Canada walked away from the bargaining table and did not address the “arming initiative' issue on any level.
On July 4th, PSAC contacted the Mediator, Denise Wilson. During this telephone conversation dates were agreed-upon to begin the mediation process. Those dates being the week of September 29th.
During the mediation process your bargaining team will again demand that the employer address the key issues that are important to the members of the bargaining unit: issues such as job security, contracting out, the abuses of student employment, wages and NO ZONES and the Warden arming initiative. The Employer has yet to address any of these issues in a meaningful way at the bargaining table with the bargaining agent.
It is with an open mind and willingness to obtain a negotiated settlement, that your bargaining team enters into mediation. The PSAC's intention has always been and will continue to be to have meaningful discussions with the Employer about the key issues. We hope to achieve a negotiated settlement. This will depend on the cooperation of the employer who has, so far, ignored our efforts to negotiate the key issues at the bargaining table.
We invite all members to voice their support to the team by participating in the many mobilization activities going on during the summer.
Prior to entering into mediation in September with Parks Canada, the Public Service Labour Relations Board will hold hearings August 11-15 regarding essential services. From there we expect a determination can be made as to the number of positions that should be deemed essential in the event of a labour dispute. An update will be posted following the hearing dates.
Be clear Be loud Be determined
Tell the Employer
WE WANT AN AGREEMENT
Home Site Map Contact Us Bargaining Search Join Our Union Français
Date Modified : 2008/07/30
Public Service Alliance of Canada | 233, Gilmour Street, Ottawa, ONTARIO CANADA, K2P 0P1, Tel.: 1 888 604-7722 (PSAC)