October 31, 2007

PSAC Parks Canada Bargaining Unit

Parks employer caught bargaining in bad faith

The Parks Agency was caught bargaining in bad faith last week, giving an example of their arrogance and lack of respect toward the bargaining process.

On Tuesday, October 23, near the end of the day, the Employer approached one of your  bargaining-team members and began to talk about setting up private discussions the following week about changing the terms and conditions of employment for some canal workers, a discussion that would take place away from the bargaining table. The bargaining team member reported the incident to the rest of the team in caucus. On Thursday morning, the negotiator raised the issue at the bargaining table with the Employer, stating that this was a clear textbook case of bargaining in bad faith.

However, as it is the mandate of your bargaining team to reach a fair and just agreement with the Employer, we intend to continue negotiating in spite of the Employer's complete lack of respect for your right to be represented by your union, for your bargaining team, for your union, and for the bargaining process.

There was some progress at the bargaining table. We agreed on many grammatical changes to the collective agreement and discussed and tabled new language required in the collective agreement to adjust to the new legislation, the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan.

We are back at the negotiating table the week of November 19 and January 28. During those sessions, we will make presentations on some of our demands including: Defending Quality Public Services, Student Employment, Seasonal Employment, No Contracting Out, and Injury on Duty Leave, Joint Learning Program, and National Joint Council, among others.

Your bargaining team is strong, focused and determined to successfully reach a collective agreement with this employer. Your bargaining team is ready for any continued bad faith bargaining and other attempts by the Employer to subvert the collective bargaining process.

If you have any questions, please contact your bargaining team member or your local Executive. Also, be sure to consult our web site for current and previous updates.

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