Local 20 – Hearing and Speech Nova Scotia Bargaining Update: Filing for Conciliation, Info Session Scheduled

Your bargaining committee exchanged proposals with the employer on November 14, 2022. Since then, we have had two additional days of bargaining. Unfortunately, we have reached an impasse, as there is a gap between what your bargaining committee and the employer view as a fair deal.

If you are a member of Local 20 and would like a copy of the proposals, please contact the NSGEU at inquiry@nsgeu.ca

It has become clear that we are not going to reach an agreement that the membership can accept at the table, so the union has filed for Conciliation.

What is Conciliation? Conciliation is a requirement under the Nova Scotia Trade Union Act that takes place when regular negotiations fail to reach an agreement. Either party may apply to the Minister of Labour requesting the services of a Conciliation Officer. The Conciliation Officer does not have the power to impose a settlement on either party. Instead, their role is to mediate between the parties and help them reach an agreement.

Next steps:

The Department of Labour will appoint a Conciliation Officer to help the parties attempt to conclude your collective agreement. NSGEU will advise the membership as soon as we have dates for Conciliation.

In the meantime, your bargaining committee will be holding an important strike vote to back your bargaining demands in Conciliation. It is critical that we get a strong strike mandate to put pressure on your employer during this process. It is important to note that this is NOT a vote that will initiate a strike: another vote will be held on whatever offer or agreement comes out of the conciliation process.

We are holding a virtual information session on Wednesday, March 8 at 6 p.m. to discuss these outstanding items and the importance of the upcoming strike vote. Your bargaining committee and lead negotiator will be present to hear comments and answer any questions you may have.

We will send a link to this session in a separate email closer to the meeting date.

Please make every effort to attend this important meeting and participate in the strike vote. Feel free to help spread the word among your coworkers.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact a member of your bargaining committee.

Sheila Fortier – sheila.fortier@iwk.nshealth.ca

Hannah Ross-MacNeil – hannah.ross-macneil@nshealth.ca

Krista Wilson – krista.wilson@nshealth.ca

Chief Negotiator Brandon Rose, brose@nsgeu.ca