November 2007
OPS Bargaining Team to Make Our Case to Arbitrator in January, Teams Awaiting RPT & TXT Dates
Recently, our Bargaining Team for the Operational (Maintenance, Transport, Messenger Services, Trades, Printing, Restaurant Services) bargaining unit received confirmation from the Public Service Labour Relations Board that both an arbitrator and dates for our arbitration hearing have been set. On January 21st and 22nd we will be arbitrating our contract dispute with the House of Commons. Once both sides have made our cases, the arbitrator will issue a ruling, either at that time or at a subsequent date. The Labour Board has also set aside two dates in February should more time be needed. The arbitration hearing is a public hearing – all members of our union at the House are welcome and encouraged to attend the proceedings. The issues being arbitrated are the same that our team has been advocating throughout these negotiations: fairness around hours of work, improved job and income security and the seniority rights that can be found in countless collective agreements across the country – including agreements covering thousands of federal public sector workers.
As always, our bargaining teams remain hopeful that the parties might reach a negotiated settlement for both the Operational and Reporting & Text Processing units. Our union is prepared to bargain in good faith. However, we are also fully prepared to take these issues before an arbitrator. What we are asking for is only fair.
If you have any questions, contact a member of our bargaining teams. We will be sure to update once the location and times for the Operational hearing are confirmed. While an arbitrator has been named for the Reporting and Text Processing bargaining unit, we are waiting for confirmed hearing dates. We will update once those have been confirmed as well.
