FB Bargaining
December 12, 2012
FB Bargaining Team Defends Members' Interests Before the PIC
The FB bargaining team made submissions before a Public Interest Commission (PIC) at the Labour Board in Ottawa on December 10.
Background
As per the Public Service Labour Relations Act, the FB bargaining team filed for conciliation earlier this year when it became clear that the employer was not prepared to seriously address our issues, including parity with other federal enforcement workers.
Also consistent with the Act, a Public Interest Commission was named to oversee the conciliation process and to hear the case concerning the matters outstanding in negotiations.
Mediation
Once the date was set, the parties agreed to engage in mediation prior to the hearing. That mediation happened this past weekend, convened by the Chair of the Public Interest Commission.
While both Saturday and Sunday were set aside for mediation, the Chair ended the session at the end of the day Saturday when it became clear that no progress was being made. As a result, the PIC hearing took place on Monday at the Labour Board.
Parity with other federal employees
Over the course of the day, the FB bargaining team made the case for parity with other federal employees working for law enforcement agencies, including CX's at Corrections Canada and the RCMP. We repeatedly stated that we seek simply to expand protections that are already contained in our current agreement, and to be afforded the same rights and compensation already afforded other employees working under Public Safety Canada.
Recommendation by PIC
We now await a recommendation from the PIC. Unlike arbitration, the recommendation is non-binding. While the legislation provides for the PIC to issue its recommendation within 30 days of the hearing, the Chair may extend that timeline. Given the number of outstanding issues, there was some indication on Monday evening that the Chair may exercise this prerogative.
Information
We will be sure to provide updates as things progress.
Questions
If you have any questions, contact a member of our bargaining team, or go to www.psac.com/fbgroup
Date Modified : 2013/01/28
