News

Our Government Bargaining Conference is approaching quickly.  There are only a few seats left so if you are interested in participating please register now.

This conference may be the most important event for Government Members in many years.  Bill C-4 and its associated changes to the PSLRA have radically changed our collective bargaining landscape.  IBEW 2228 members will likely be forced into a conciliation-strike dispute resolution process even if as many as 80% of you are designated.  Moreover, the Government is very anxious to reach an agreement on sick leave.  So much so it is serving notice to bargain on unions as the collective agreements approach expiry.

Forcing you into conciliation-strike process as the only way to settle the contract means that bargaining outcomes will greatly depend on the collective strength of the members. We can no longer rely on impartial boards of arbitration to settle disputes.

Whatever the government?s tactics, members should not expect this round of bargaining to be quick and painless.  Renewing this contract may take several months and the best thing you can offer your negotiating team is patience.

In the meantime, continue to submit your bargaining proposals through the bargaining proposal manager , volunteer to sit on steering committees if the need arises and most importantly, discuss with your colleagues the need to work together. Never has the need for all members to get involved been greater.

It is impossible for anyone to guarantee any particular outcome in collective bargaining.  However, by working together we can achieve the best possible outcome under the most difficult circumstances.

In Solidarity,

Daniel J Boulet
Business Manager / Financial Secretary