Impasse, Mediation, Arbitration
Notes from your Negotiators
As per the last Update, the last meeting with the Employer was November 21-23, 2023, where a tentative agreement was not reached. The parties therefore declared an impasse. This decision was not taken lightly and was taken in the best interest of all the members.
YOUR BARGAINING TEAM
We would like to highlight the work of your CP bargaining team. The team are all volunteers who work outside their regular hours of work (evenings and weekends) to devote to the CP Group. The team diligently prepared themselves for the negotiations starting in 2022, developing a mandate around the priorities identified by you the members. From day one, your bargaining team composed of Andrée, Lyne, Susan, Olivia, Ray, Don, Adam and Howard have been your fiercest advocates. They have been unwavering in their call for better pay for both COs and PGs. The Institute, the staff resources and bargaining team are committed to achieving the most acceptable deal possible at this time.
The Process
With reference to the labour legislation (FPSLRA), the method of resolving an impasse must be chosen prior to the start of the negotiations. This round (as in all other rounds), the CP Group has chosen to take the mediation/arbitration route. This means that the Group will not/cannot go on strike. This round will be settled either by a tentative agreement in mediation or by arbitral award.
MEDIATION
A mediator has been assigned by the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board (FPSLREB) to intervene in this impasse and assist both parties - us and the Employer - to help resolve it. The team met with the mediator (without the Employer) on February 29th to review the issues and the process. Mediation is set for May 1 & 2.
Mediation is non-binding, therefore both parties voluntarily have to come to a tentative agreement. If a tentative agreement is reached, it will be followed by a vote of the membership. Should a tentative agreement not be reached in mediation, the next step is arbitration.
ARBITRATION
Firstly, a three person arbitration board is established, the Arbitrator and two sidespersons; one nominated by the Treasury Board and the other by the Institute. These three will receive written submissions and hear oral arguments from both parties. The arbitration date is set for September 12, 2024. The Board is mandated to look at factors such as the economy, comparable jobs and salaries, as well as replicating other settlements in the sector; i.e. all other previously-signed agreements in this round of negotiations. The FPSLREB will then file a Decision that is final and binding. The new collective agreement will take effect that day and will not be voted on by the membership.
A SYNOPSIS OF THE OUTSTANDING ISSUES
The CP Group’s Issues, including pay:
CP Group’s Proposal of Rates of Pay
June 22, 2022 – Increase to rates of pay: 3.50%
June 22, 2022 - Market Adjustment/Parity: 4.00%
June 22, 2022 – Wage adjustment: 1.25%
June 22, 2023 – Increase to rates of pay: 3.00%
June 22, 2023 - Pay Line Adjustment: 0.50%
June 22, 2024 – Increase to rates of pay: 2.00%
June 22, 2024 – Wage adjustment: 0.25%
June 22, 2025 – Increase to rates of pay: 2.50%
- A one-time lump-sum allowance of $2,500 on the date of signing
The Employer’s Offer of Rates of Pay
June 22, 2022 – increase to rates of pay: 3.50%
June 22, 2022 – wage adjustment: 1.25%
June 22, 2023 – increase to rates of pay: 3.00%
June 22, 2024 – increase to rates of pay: 2.00%
June 22, 2024 – wage adjustment: 0.25%
June 22, 2025 – increase to rates of pay: 2.00%
If you have any questions, please contact the Bargaining Team at cpgroupbargaining@gmail.com.
Please check out the CP Bargaining Facebook Group page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/500218045310861) and/or CP Bargaining Instagram page (Instagram).
In closing we would like to thank the Bargaining team for their continued hard work.
In solidarity,
Your Negotiators
Denise Doherty & Franco Amato