Conciliation Update

Conciliation Update

As I reported to you in previous communications, the conciliation period ended on April 12, 2024.  As of that date the parties have been in the 21-day cooling off period during which no strike or lockout activity can take place.  The cooling off period is about to expire on May 3rd, 2024, at 23:59.

CANSA has been open to negotiate a fair and reasonable settlement with Nav Canada during this cooling off period, however the company has not reached out to Unifor, and we have not had any meaningful discussions or any type of reasonable offer from them.

There has not been any significant improvement of the Nav Canada offer since mid-March.  As you know, in that time the Union has taken a strike vote which gave the bargaining committee overwhelming support by our membership. 

Strike action is the last resort, and we take this mandate very seriously.

As the cooling off period is about to expire, we would normally be in strike position after issuing a 72-hour strike notice.  However, there are several provisions in the Labour Code which must be satisfied prior to being in legal strike position. 

First, both sides need to complete the Maintenance of Activities Agreement (MOAA).  As we reported to you in our last communications, Unifor was forced to ask the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to intervene after Nav Canada threatened us with the use of scab labour to replace our members in the event of job action.

The Unifor legal department is making submissions to the CIRB, and we are asking the board to uphold your rights to free collective bargaining and to be able to use all aspects, including the right to withhold your labour to achieve a fair collective agreement.

Until such time that we have a decision from the board, CANSA will not be in strike position, but do not let this dampen your resolve.

The support and solidarity you have shown over the last 300 days without a contract speaks volumes, which cannot be ignored by Nav Canada. 

Don’t listen to rumours as your bargaining committee is always your best source of accurate information. We put your best interests first! The bargaining committee will bring back a reasonable offer when we receive one from Nav Canada.

Thank you once again for your support and solidarity.

Please reach out to your Regional Vice President for additional information or questions.

In Solidarity,

James Walker

President CANSA/Unifor 1016