Heading to informal mediation, bargaining committee reviewing ESA
As reported in our last Bargaining Update, your Government Services Bargaining Committee (GSBC) and the employer (Government of Alberta – GOA) were unable to reach agreement on a number of outstanding issues, including wages. A list of outstanding items can be found in that update.
We have jointly applied to the Alberta Labour Relations Board to appoint an independent mediator, so we can schedule informal mediation over the summer months with the aim to conclude negotiations towards a collective bargaining agreement.
Should we be unsuccessful in reaching a settlement or are not satisfied with the direction we are going through the informal mediation process, we maintain the option to seek further assistance through formal mediation.
Your bargaining committee is meeting next week to begin the process of reviewing the draft Essential Services Agreement (ESA). Under the framework set out in legislation, once that agreement is approved by both parties, applying for formal mediation becomes a legal option for both parties.
As reported in our February Bargaining Update, an Unfair Labour Practice Complaint (ULP) was filed with the Alberta Labour Relations Board (LRB) against the Employer earlier this year. A hearing on that complaint is scheduled for July 14 - 16.
Remember, as negotiations proceed, your collective agreement remains in force. If you have any problems at work, please reach out to a worksite steward or contact the Member Resource Centre at 1-800-232-7284 to be connected with your Member Services Officer (MSO).
If you have any questions related to bargaining, please contact your representative on your negotiating team.
Your Government Services Bargaining Committee (GSBC)
Rebecca Leblanc, (GSBC Vice-chair), Local 001, leblare@gmail.com
Andrea Waywanko, Local 002, waywaa@hotmail.com
Dax Lydiard, Local 003, 003bargaining@gmail.com
Steve Eagles, Local 004, s-eagles@shaw.ca
Randy Ramsden, Local 005, r.a.ramsden@hotmail.com
Tom Grinnell, Local 006, tgrinnel@lakeheadu.ca
Angela Pala, Local 009, rossieyork@shaw.ca
Bryan Poll, Local 012, bpoll325@gmail.com
Terrie Wispinski, Local 012, twisp@shaw.ca
AUPE staff resources
Dale Perry, negotiations spokesperson, d.perry@aupe.org
Merryn Edwards, negotiations spokesperson, m.edwards@aupe.org
Marianne Lenabat, organizer, m.lenabat@aupe.org
Madelaine Sommers, organizer, m.sommers@aupe.org
Terry Inigo-Jones, communications, t.inigo-jones@aupe.org
Mimi Williams, communications, m.williams@aupe.org