News release

June 25, 2004

Strike countdown begins at Parks as bargaining goes to Conciliation Board

OTTAWA - Members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada working at Parks Canada are getting closer to a strike as dates have been set for their Conciliation Board hearings, beginning on July 12, 2004.

During the hearings, the union and the employer will have an opportunity to make presentations to the Board on the outstanding issues. The Board will have 14 days from the date of its appointment to consider the evidence and issue a report. PSAC members will be in a legal position to strike seven days after the union is advised that the Conciliation Board has filed its report with the Public Service Staff Relations Board (PSSRB).

“Getting to this point hasn't been easy,” says PSAC National President Nycole Turmel.   “The employer has been doing everything it can to delay the process.   For example, Parks Canada initially claimed they were not available any time during the summer for the Conciliation Board hearings.”

In response to this, Turmel sent a sharp letter to the PSSRB Chairperson pointing out that Parks Canada has had a deliberate strategy designed to prolong the bargaining process.

  “Unless Parks Canada is willing to negotiate a speedy settlement, there will be no peace in the federal parks this summer,” says PSAC Regional Executive Vice-President for the Atlantic Region Jeannie Baldwin, who is the union executive overseeing Parks negotiations.   “Travellers, campers and businesses who rely on the operations of the national parks, heritage sites and canals are warned that there might be disruptions in service over the course of the summer.”

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For information:   Joselito Calugay, PSAC Communications, (613) 560-4235

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