Frequently Asked Questions
What is conciliation?
Before a bargaining unit can
legally go on strike (or be locked out by the Employer) in Ontario,
the parties have to go through conciliation and a “no board” report must be
issued. The issuance of a “no board” report then sets the clock ticking
towards the earliest possible date for a legal strike or lockout. The strike
or lockout may legally begin 17 days after the “no board” report is issued.
A strike vote must be held by secret ballot to authorize the union to hold a
legal strike.
Has the Union held a strike
vote?
Yes. In a vote across the
province, 98% of OPSEU members in the CBS Provincial Support unit voted YES
to give their bargaining team the authority to call a strike if necessary to
achieve an acceptable
agreement.
When do we go out on strike?
As mentioned above a strike or
lockout may only legally begin 17 days after the “no board” report is
issued. Once a “no board” is issued the clock will begin ticking on the 17
day countdown. The union’s goal is to negotiate a collective agreement
without a strike.
Did the Union walk away from
the table in conciliation?
No. During the last days of
bargaining in June with the conciliation officer there was significant
progress made on the Employer’s tabled concessions. The bargaining team
felt that a few more days with the conciliation officer is required with the
goal of achieving a negotiated settlement.
Why is there so much time
between bargaining dates?
Due to summer vacation
schedules on both sides of the bargaining table and with the conciliation
officer, the first available dates have been confirmed for September 14th
and 15th in Ottawa.
Putting a face on the work
you do ...
Now’s the time to build
solidarity and get involved! Get informed, talk to your bargaining team
members and local executive members. Send us your photos, in high
resolution to ghamara@opseu.org
So OPSEU can
profile the valuable work that each of you do.
Remind the employer—it’s not
in you to give in, CBS members demand a fair contract!
