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News releaseJuly 11, 2007 Bank of Canada Security Officers to Seek ConciliationOTTAWA– After 19 months of bargaining and more than 30 meetings, 33 Ottawa-based Bank of Canada Security Officers are still without a first collective agreement. In the face of such persistent employer foot-dragging, the Security Officers have served notice that they intend to seek conciliation. “Being the only unionized group at the Bank of Canada, we knew from the start that this would be a difficult fight, but we intend to sign a collective agreement whether they like it or not,” says Rhéal Charron, member of the bargaining team. While many outstanding issues remain on the table, eliminating discrimination and unfairness in the workplace, input into working conditions and ensuring adherence to its own management policies are key priorities for the workers. In response, the employer has stonewalled. For example, even refusing to allow the Security Officers’ union representative a place on the Bank of Canada’s Health and Safety Policy Committee in accordance to the Canada Labour Code, the employer instead has attempted to isolate union members, telling them to start their own health and safety committee. Less than forthcoming in the face of union queries on wage and pension issues, the Bank and its negotiators have also employed some questionable negotiating tactics, refusing to give to the union the basic information it needs to perform its work. “It has been a long 19 months at the table,” says Charron, “we will not be intimidated by the employer’s tactics” Also, the Bank of Canada lost their first battle against the union in an unfair labour practice complaint. A recent decision by the Canadian Industrial Relations Board also recognizes the Bank’s failure to disclose all the necessary information the PSAC needs to bargain and fairly represent its members. “It’s impossible to get a collective agreement if both parties aren’t transparent and respectful,” says PSAC regional vice-president Ed Cashman, “but the Bank will have to cooperate with us whether they like it or not.” For information: 24-110707 |
