IBEW and TBS Await Arbitration Outcome
The arbitration hearing to settle our collective agreement with the Federal Government went ahead as scheduled on June 26 and 27. Our response to the employer\'s presentation is available for download here (English only). Although a decision could take several weeks, the parties were given indication that we would see one by the end of August and perhaps even sooner.
With the hearing complete and the formalities out of the way, our efforts now turn to understanding what we could have done differently to avoid such a protracted round of bargaining. No doubt much of what transpired was entirely out of our control but anything within the control of our negotiating team deserves attention and review. In addition to the debrief the negotiating team normally conducts following each round of bargaining, I will be conducting my own review of the decisions made and how they contributed to the outcome. As the saying goes, if we do not understand our history we are doomed to repeat it.
The award and our analysis will be posted on our website as soon as possible following its release.
In solidarity,
Daniel J Boulet
IBEW Local 2228