MOAA Update and Member Mobilization

MOAA Update and Member Mobilization:

MOAA

As you know we filed pursuant to section 87.4(4) of the Code for the Maintenance of Activities Agreement (MOAA) for the Board to determine whether CANSA members have the right to strike. 

On April 25, 2024, the Board requested submissions from the parties in this matter. Response submissions were filed by the parties on May 15, 2024, and final reply submissions were filed by May 31, 2024.

In our reply submissions, Unifor submitted that there are significant issues of contested fact in these proceedings, and accordingly, we requested that a hearing be held. The board has not taken any action in the last five months. While it is unclear as to why the board is slow to react, we remain steadfast in seeing this issue through and our legal team is encouraging the board to act expeditiously.

Rights and Responsibilities

As we move though the Maintenance of Activities Agreement (MOAA) process, the CANSA Executive have been asked several questions on what rights and responsibilities our members have:

Can I start job action?

You have the fundamental right to have your work done by you and to withdraw those services when we are in a legal position to do so. That time will arrive once we have received the MOAA, conducted a strike mandate with a majority vote and then given the appropriate 72-hour notice.

You have the responsibility to do your job as you always have done. You cannot withdraw any services until we are in a legal position to so. If Nav Canada asks you to do something that is in violation of the collective agreement or outside your job description, ask your manager for a letter telling you to perform the duty and inform your union representative.

Can I speak out to my manager and let them know I am disillusioned?

You have the fundamental right to express your displeasure with how you are being treated. Remember to do so respectfully, while always following Nav Canada’s code of conduct. It is important for Nav to know that it is you, the members, that are demanding respect from them and not just the union.

• Feel free to let them know you are disillusioned with a company that claims to have a One Company outlook but fails to treat all employees equally at the bargaining table.

• Instead of telling your bargaining team that the cost of living is rising significantly while Nav Canada’s salary offers are aimed to keep you behind those increases, tell them.

• Instead of telling your bargaining team that Nav Canada is inspiring you to come in and do what is required of you but the desire to do extra to help this company is gone, tell them. Let them know that the loss of that desire is the most disheartening part to you.

While we continue to pass on your messages at the highest levels, it is important for your local management to hear those messages directly, and respectfully, from you so that they can pass them on to their manager.

Can you tell us your thoughts on how bargaining is going?

I have over 35 years with Nav Canada, and I am having trouble trying to find a time where I was more disappointed that Nav Canada would not give their employees the same types of raises that they have given other groups or themselves. They hold townhall meetings, telling our members that they are important and valued assets of the company but are unwilling to compensate them with fair pattern wage increases. Why they would expect you to take less when you are the very people tasked with making the system work is baffling.

I urge all members to continue wearing their black shirts on Thursdays to show Nav Canada that our solidarity and commitment will not be broken!

In Solidarity,

James Walker

President CANSA/Unifor 1016