1. INFORMATION UPDATE
October 12, 2012
This set of negotiations has been long, frustrating, tiring and fragile. We knew it would
be going in. We knew the company was looking for a concessionary agreement from the
get go and the fact that we had people who were willing to step up to the plate is a credit
to the type of people we have working and representing us.
Before negotiations began we signed a document to extend the Basic Agreement until
October 15, 2012. The date was picked because it was thought by both parties that an
agreement could be reached by then.
That is not the case.
This was a date, while needed, imposed no definitive power for us to strike or the
company to lock us out. For either of those things to happen there are steps that have to
be followed by the parties which are dictated by the Ministry of Labour.
The Union took the first step by filing for Conciliation. This was done so that we had the
ability to get a Conciliator to help move talks along.
On Friday October 5th we took the next step and asked for a No Board Report which sets
a firm deadline. With the Thanksgiving holiday, it could not be filed until Tuesday
October the 8th.
17 (seventeen) days later is the trigger date when a lockout or strike can happen. So the
final deadline is October 25th, that is when we can be locked out. If we decide to ask for a
strike vote, then that is when we will strike if necessary.
We are confident that a successful agreement will be reached at the end of the day.
We believe that when we have an agreement the business will indeed move forward for
the benefit of all; current and future workers and retirees alike.
Once again, if we reach a tentative agreement or if we need to call a strike vote or special
meeting you will hear from us directly. Dismiss the rest.
In solidarity,
Your Negotiating Committee
Darren Green, Terry Willock, Steve Morris, Mario Caruso, John Butler, Frank Arcuri,
Alex McKinnon