March 18, 2008
Arbitrator issues award in dispute between Union and CIHR
Union going to court to fight arbitration award
Recently the Public Service Labour Relations Board issued a decision in our dispute with CIHR. Prior to going to arbitration the parties reached agreement on a number of issues that will form part of our new contract, including improved income security for full-time employees, expanded definition of family for Leave with Pay for Family Related Responsibilities and extended Leave Without Pay for couples at CIHR taking Maternity and Parental Leave. However the parties were not able to reach a settlement on wages. Our position was a 3.3% increase over a one-year agreement. CIHR's proposal was a 2% increase. Despite the fact that the parties had agreed on a one-year contract, the Board awarded a 2.5% increase for April 1 2007 (retroactive) and a 2.3% increase for June 1, 2008 with an expiration date of July 31, 2009.
Our position before the Board throughout the arbitration process was that the Union would not re-open the parties' agreement for a one-year contract unless we could agree on wages for the first and second year.
We did not reach an agreement on wages and we continue to reject management's position on wages. As a result, our Union is going to court over the issue of the two-year award and other improprieties associated with the Board's handling of our dispute.
Union members will receive the wage increases mandated by the Board's decision. We will be sure to update you as things progress. If you have any questions speak with your Shop Steward.
PSAC at CIHR
United for a Fair Contract
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Date Modified : 2008/11/18
Public Service Alliance of Canada | 233, Gilmour Street, Ottawa, ONTARIO CANADA, K2P 0P1, Tel.: 1 888 604-7722 (PSAC)