April Bargaining Update

Bargaining Update

After ending conciliation on April 12, 2024, I have continued with efforts to negotiate with NAV Canada on the Maintenance of Activities Agreement (MOAA) in the event we reach May 4, 2024, without an agreement and are in a legal strike position. In an effort to streamline and expedite the process, I agreed with Nav Canada’s last position on who will be deemed essential even though I believe that the full complement of essential workers is not necessary to meet ‘immediate safety’ threshold. I also clarified that training of new hires will cease for the duration of strike action.

Nav Canada advised Unifor National that it plans to use replacement workers (Scabs) to perform bargaining unit work on the same day they publicly announced the new deal they signed with CAE Inc. For NAV Canada to threaten our members with using Scabs amidst the Federal Anti-scab legislation getting closer to becoming a reality is unconscionable.

It is very clear to me that this is a delay and bullying tactic being employed by Nav Canada to push the legal strike date and fear monger amongst the hard working, dedicated members of CANSA who just want to be treated fairly like their Brothers and Sisters in the other two Unifor locals. The behaviour of Nav Canada during these negotiations has been unacceptable.

I want you to know that we move forward with the full weight of Unifor National behind us.

Message from Lana Payne:

“We have been fighting tooth-and-nail for the federal government to pass anti-scab legislation now,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

“Let Unifor’s actions at CN Autoport be a warning to other companies that our union won’t tolerate scab labour. We will defend our members’ right to strike and to free and fair collective bargaining. My message to NAVCan: Unifor is ready. All of us.”

As of now, we are still in the 21-day cooling off period, where I remain open to further discussions in hopes of securing a tentative agreement. It is my hope that Nav Canada will still use what is left the 21-day cooling off period to properly assess your contributions into their five-year training plan and present a fair and honest offer on the table.

I will be setting up calls across the country for next week to update everyone and discuss any questions or concerns you may have.

In Solidarity,

James Walker

President CANSA/Unifor 1016