Local 38 Northwood Schedulers: Bargaining Update: Filing for Conciliation

Bargaining has been very slow and frustrating for your entire committee, and we understand your frustration. We anticipated an additional day of bargaining on February 25th, but the employer was not prepared to bring forward a monetary proposal.

Therefore, to avoid further delay, the committee has made the decision to file for conciliation. We have advised the employer that should they receive a monetary mandate between now and when conciliation is scheduled, we would be more than willing to return to the table.

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 and Advanced Education 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.

In the interim, progress has also been made on the issue of establishing an essential service staffing plan, as is required by legislation. The committee has agreed to the employer’s Schedule B of essential staffing, and has provided them with a framework document that we are waiting for response to. We anticipate recieving this prior to conciliation.

The Committee wishes to thank you for your continued support. Please continue to check your emails for an upcoming next steps meeting date. We will continue to keep you updated as this process unfolds.

If you have questions or concerns about the bargaining process, please reach out to a member of your bargaining committee as follows:

Christie Jessome, Bargaining Committee christie_61@hotmail.com
Jodi Moir, Bargaining Committee imhoff884@gmail.com

Tracy Pyke, Labour Relations Officer tpyke@nsgeu.ca
Karen Grandy, Labour Relations Officer kgrandy@nsgeu.ca

Gina Boyd, Servicing Coordinator & Lead Negotiator gboyd@nsgeu.ca