Federal Government Bargaining Update #8
The Employer recently responded to our request for arbitration and not surprisingly we are faced with more delay tactics by the Employer.
The Employer asking the chair of the PSLRB (Public Service Labour Relations Board) to delay the establishment of a Board of Arbitration. The reason? The employer believes that the appointment of a mediator would be of assistance to the parties.
The fact is the union has sought to move the discussions forward by withdrawing some of its demands. For their part the Employer is working backwards by re-tabling proposals they dropped in the bargaining process. Mediation can be useful but it requires willingness to compromise. The Employer has not shown any willingness to compromise without a mediator, it is illogical to conclude they would be willing to do so with one.
The fact remains that the Treasury Board has been engaged in ?surface bargaining? in order to avoid a settlement as long as possible. There is absolutely no appetite on their part to reach an agreement any time soon. For this reason, we are asking the PSLRB Chairman to appoint a Board of Arbitration and allow mediation to run concurrently.
We?ll keep you informed as more information becomes available.
In Solidarity,
Daniel J Boulet
Business Manager / Financial Secretary