Statistical Survey Operations 

No. 5 July 27, 2005

SSO negotiating teams working to achieve settlements

The process to date

Bargaining for both SSO teams began in February, 2005 and we have now completed four sessions at the table with the employer.  Each session has lasted for three days, and involved a mixture of face to face bargaining with the employer and caucusing for the bargaining team.  During caucusing, the team has reviewed information and/or proposals offered by the employer in response to our bargaining demands.  The team then made a decision, as a group, as to whether to accept the employer's proposal, return with an amended proposal of our own, or withdraw the demand.  At the table with the employer, we try to explain the nature of the demand, the problem which we are trying to address, and any alternative ways of meeting our objective.

Where we are now

 At the National Bargaining Conference held in November 2004, delegates made it very clear that they wanted the two teams to stay parallel in bargaining so that one group did not get too far ahead of the other in the process.  At this point, the two teams are in exactly the same place.  We have finished with all of our non-monetary issues, have dealt with some of the monetary items, and are left with four or five proposals at each table which have yet to be resolved. 

We anticipate that our next session of bargaining will be our last in this phase of the process.  If we are able to reach a tentative agreement after the next three days of bargaining, we will present it to the members for a vote.  If we cannot reach an agreement, we will move into the next phase of bargaining.  This involves asking for the assistance of a conciliator to help both sides reach a deal.

The next dates for bargaining have not been confirmed, but we hope to be at the table with the employer on the following dates:

Field Interviewers                                      September 27-29

Regional Office Interviewers                      October 4-6

Your support makes the difference

Many thanks to all of our members for their support of both bargaining teams.  We won't have any more news to share until after the summer but will have a further update for you in early October.