UCTE/PSAC is frustrated with the delay in the submission of the conciliation board's report.
The union was expecting the report to be tabled on July 26 as per the timelines set under the Public Service Staff Relations Act (PSSRA), but instead received a fax early this afternoon that an extension to August 10 has been granted to the conciliation board's filing of its report. Under the Act, there are only two ways that the conciliation board can get an extension: through the mutual agreement of the negotiating parties or through the authorization of the Public Service Staff Relations Board (PSSRB). In this case, the extension was granted by the PSSRB.
While the extension delays legal strike action, the union if still determined to take necessary action to secure a fair collective agreement from Parks Canada Agency, if an agreement is not reached.
"[This] only means that there'll be a change in our tactics," said Jeannie Baldwin, PSAC regional executive vice-president for the Atlantic Region. "Our National Strike Coordinating Committee will be meeting soon to analyze this new situation and come up with appropriate strategies. We're still gearing up for a strike and our members will still be ready for strike activities, even with this delay."
UCTE/PSAC members at Parks Canada have given the union an 89% strike mandate in May.
"This delay also provides the employer with an opportunity to secure a more reasonable mandate and to return to the bargaining table," Baldwin added. "We are ready to negotiate with the employer, but unless and until the employer returns to the bargaining table and starts negotiating seriously, we will increase our mobilizing activities at parks and historical sties from coast to coast to coast."
The outstanding issues in bargaining include pay increases, job security, work-life balance and health and safety at the workplace.
http://www.psac.com/news/releases/2004/43-0704-e.shtml
The union was expecting the report to be tabled on July 26 as per the timelines set under the Public Service Staff Relations Act (PSSRA), but instead received a fax early this afternoon that an extension to August 10 has been granted to the conciliation board's filing of its report. Under the Act, there are only two ways that the conciliation board can get an extension: through the mutual agreement of the negotiating parties or through the authorization of the Public Service Staff Relations Board (PSSRB). In this case, the extension was granted by the PSSRB.
While the extension delays legal strike action, the union if still determined to take necessary action to secure a fair collective agreement from Parks Canada Agency, if an agreement is not reached.
"[This] only means that there'll be a change in our tactics," said Jeannie Baldwin, PSAC regional executive vice-president for the Atlantic Region. "Our National Strike Coordinating Committee will be meeting soon to analyze this new situation and come up with appropriate strategies. We're still gearing up for a strike and our members will still be ready for strike activities, even with this delay."
UCTE/PSAC members at Parks Canada have given the union an 89% strike mandate in May.
"This delay also provides the employer with an opportunity to secure a more reasonable mandate and to return to the bargaining table," Baldwin added. "We are ready to negotiate with the employer, but unless and until the employer returns to the bargaining table and starts negotiating seriously, we will increase our mobilizing activities at parks and historical sties from coast to coast to coast."
The outstanding issues in bargaining include pay increases, job security, work-life balance and health and safety at the workplace.
http://www.psac.com/news/releases/2004/43-0704-e.shtml