News release

July 12, 2004

PSAC calls for quick resolution to Parks bargaining to avoid disruptions to Acadian festivities

HALIFAX – Parks workers in Nova Scotia rallied today in front of Grand Pré National Historic Site and the riding office of Member of Parliament Scott Brison to bring attention to an impending strike that may disrupt the 400 th Anniversary of Acadia celebrations.

The festivities are being held throughout the summer mainly in the Atlantic region, and the Public Service Alliance of Canada, the union representing the Parks workers, warns that without an immediate settlement to their contract talks with Parks Canada, they will be forced to strike during the internationally promoted events.

“Hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world are expected to attend Le Congrès mondial acadien at Grand-Pré and numerous other events centered around national parks and historic sites in Atlantic Canada and Quebec ,” said PSAC National President Nycole Turmel, who spoke in front of Brison's office.   “Our union and our members want to avoid any disruptions to the anniversary celebrations.   That is why we are urging the government and Parks Canada to give their negotiators a responsible mandate and present it to our negotiation team during this week's Conciliation Board hearing.”

The union rallied in front of the MP's office because his riding will be one among many that will be severely affected by a strike at Parks Canada. Le Congrès mondial acadien will be held from July 31 to Aug. 15 in Nova Scotia , where about 500 members of the union work, including in the Grand Pré historic site and the Cape Breton Highlands National Park .   A high-profile mass will also be held on the closing day of the Congrès, on Aug. 15, with archbishops from across Atlantic Canada attending.

The PSAC has been negotiating with Parks Canada since October 2003 and began Conciliation Board hearings today as the last-ditch effort to come to a settlement.

“If we don't have an agreement after this stage, the union has no choice but to strike,” said Turmel. “The employer has been doing everything it can to delay the negotiations process by refusing to respond to any of our major demands. At this time, they still have not made any counter offer to our salary demands.”

According to legislation, the Conciliation Board is expected to submit its recommendations in 14 days, after which the union and management have seven days to settle on a tentative agreement.   After the seven days, if the two sides fail to come to an agreement, the union will be in a legal strike position.

“Our members do not want to strike and want to avoid any disruption to the Acadian Anniversary festivities,” Turmel reiterated.   “But the employer is forcing our hand   This isn't about the union refusing to accept the employer's offer.   The employer has not made any significant or reasonable offer.”

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For information:

Jeannie Baldwin, PSAC REVP ( Atlantic ), (902) 445-0927 or (902) 275-7945

Janice Grant, PSAC Regional Representative, (902) 443-3541 or (902) 476-2006

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