News release

July 26, 2004  

PSAC frustrated by deadline extension for Conciliation Board's report

OTTAWA - The Public Service Alliance of Canada, which represents more than 4,000 workers at Parks Canada, is frustrated with the delay in the submission of the conciliation board's report.

The union was expecting the report to be tabled today 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. In this case, the extension was granted by the PSSRB.

“We don't understand why the conciliation board needs more time and why the PSSRB granted the extension,” says Jeannie Baldwin, the PSAC regional executive vice-president for the Atlantic Region, who is the union executive overseeing Parks negotiations. “In our view, the Act set out timelines for a reason.   This extension seems to be an unnecessary delay which disrupts the normal process of collective bargaining.”

While the extension delays legal strike action, the union is still determined to take necessary action to secure a fair collective agreement from Parks Canada Agency, if an agreement is not reached.

“It only means that there'll be a change in our tactics,” says Baldwin . “Our National Strike Co-ordinating Committee will be meeting soon to analyse 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.”

PSAC members at Parks Canada gave the union an 89% strike mandate in May.

“This delay also provides the employer with an opportunity to secure a more reasonable mandate, and return to the negotiating table,” Baldwin adds. “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 sites 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.

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For information:   Joselito Calugay, PSAC Communications, (613) 560-4235 or (613) 293-9324

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