After the last bargaining session held in January, our team had decided to file for conciliation considering the Employer was not willing to seriously address our key job security issues.
Conciliation dates have now been set with the Bank of Canada for April 4-5.
We welcome the opportunity to discuss a number of key issues during conciliation in particular regarding job security.
We’re ready to meet the Bank of Canada and will continue to work in the interests of our members.
What is conciliation?
When an impasse is reached in the collective bargaining process, either party may file for conciliation. In this situation, the government appoints a conciliation officer to assist the union and the employer in reaching an agreement. The initial mandate lasts 60 days but both parties can agree to an extension. If no agreement is reached through conciliation, a 21-day “cooling-off “ period is imposed, during which the government may appoint a mediator to further assist the parties in resolving differences. If this also fails, and the 21-day cooling period passes, either party may give a 72 hour notice—the employer for a lockout and the union for a strike. (In the case of a strike, a strike vote amongst the membership would be held before notice is given.)
More information on the conciliation process with the Bank will be provided as it becomes available.