Local 99 Dalhousie Operational Support Bargaining Update: Union Files for Conciliation

On February 21, 2023 the bargaining committee exchanged proposals with the employer. Since that time there has been six more bargaining dates (February 22, March 6, 9, 10, and April 5 and 17).

Despite our best efforts there remains a number of outstanding items where agreement could not be reached such as no plan to address issues of retention, recruitment or reducing the risk of contracting out.

The province is experiencing a shortage of workers and without any job security language or ability to fix recruitment and retention concerns it leaves the employer and bargaining committee at an impasse. The proposed wage package also falls short of the needs of our members. Too many members are working harder with less. Many are seeking employment elsewhere.

It is clear that we are not going to reach an agreement that the membership will accept 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.

In the meantime, your bargaining committee will be holding a local meeting on April 24^th, 2023, details to be announced later this week at both the Halifax Campus and the Truro Campus. It is vital that you try to attend, to discuss next steps and be informed on where we are in the process.

Your bargaining committee thanks you for your ongoing support during this challenging round of bargaining.

Gail Best – gailbest2021@gmail.com

Jordan Cave – Jordan_cave16@hotmail.com

Stephen Cameron – scotian2@hotmail.com

Samuel Spears – gamingspears@gmail.com

Logan Ward – wardarmspin@gmail.com

Chief Negotiator Gina Boyd – gboyd@nsgeu.ca