Questions and Answers
(link to pdf at bottom of article)
NEU – GN collective bargaining supplement
Here are some questions that the membership has been asking.
Question: What is Mediation?
Answer: Mediation is provision under the Nunavut Public Service Act (Section 41.1 (1), for an independent third party, the mediator, to assist both parties (Government of Nunavut and the NEU/PSAC) reach agreement on the terms of a new collective agreement.
Question : What is the purpose of the Strike Mandate Vote?
Answer : A strong “YES” Strike Mandate will show the Employer that the Union membership supports their negotiating team and is rejecting the Employer’s offer.
Question: Why call a Strike Mandate Vote before NEU goes to Mediation?
Answer: The Union negotiating team observed that this Employer (Government of Nunavut) is not taking the Union’s proposals seriously. A strong “yes” vote will send a clear message that your negotiating team is indeed speaking for you and your demand for respect and a fair collective agreement.
Question: So, when do we go on Strike?
Answer: First of all, the Union will need 3 elements in place to call a legal strike:
- an expired collective agreement ( GN’s expired September 30, 2006)
- a ratified Essential Services Agreement ( we do not have one yet)
- a Successful Strike Mandate Vote ( we are working on it).
Once these elements are in place, then, PSAC/NEU (not GN) is in a legal position for the President of PSAC to authorize strike action. However, strike action is thelast resort, after mediation and other efforts to negotiate a fair agreement have failed.
Question: What is Strike action?
Answer: Strike Action is a legal right where the union can take actions to put pressure on their employer --including work to rule, rotating work stoppages, as well as a general strike.
Question: What is Essential Services?
Agreement is reached on the services which must be maintained for the public safety and security during a strike as well as protocol to deal with unanticipated emergency situations.
Question: I have heard from people that the Union will have to go on Strike for 3 months, is this true?
Answer: Rumors are just that - rumors. At this time your Negotiating Team is still working hard to negotiate a fair settlement for you. A strong ‘YES’ vote will send a clear message to the GN –Negotiate a Fair Agreement.
q_and_a_1.pdf
