Groupe FB: The CIP, the next step in the fight for a fair agreement

The Federal Labor Relations and Public Sector Employment Commission has decided to set up a Public Interest Commission (PIC) to help the parties reach an agreement for the 8,500 members of the FB Group.

This decision follows our declaration of impasse over the Canada Border Services Agency’s (CBSA) refusal to address our key demands: retirement benefits, pay parity with our colleagues from other law enforcement agencies. The law, job security, right to telework, new rights regarding AHPV and scheduling.

The employer also continues to demand concessions in extending the notice period for job changes from 7 days to 48 hours and reducing time off to care for the family. In addition, he would like to change the negotiated shift schedules to the detriment of our members.

The discussions began in June 2022, before the collective agreement expired, and we have met with the employer almost every month since then. However, he called on the Industrial Relations Commission to reject the declaration of deadlock in order to further delay the negotiation process.

Our negotiating team is committed to reaching a fair and equitable agreement that maintains our hard-won gains and provides new rights and protections for PSAC-SDI members.

How does a CIP work?

In the event of a stalemate at the bargaining table, the federal collective bargaining law provides for the creation of a PIC to help the parties reach an agreement.

The CIP consists of three members: a chairman appointed by the Industrial Relations Commission and two persons appointed by the union or the employer. During a hearing, each party presents its position on the issues in dispute and the PIC makes non-binding recommendations to help the parties reach an agreement.

Once these recommendations are made, the union reviews and discusses them and then typically returns to the table to resume negotiations with the employer.

Thereafter?

The union and the employer designate the people to represent them, and the Labor Relations Board sets the hearing dates. The schedule largely depends on the availability of all three parties. We will keep you updated on new developments. As always, your support is critical to our success at the table.

Support your negotiating team

Everything counts to prove to the CBSA that we have our eyes open, that we support our negotiating team and that we want a fair and equitable agreement.

Members of the negotiation team and branch management visit your workplaces and lead meetings.

Don’t miss this opportunity to get to know your negotiating team, get the latest negotiation news and receive promotional materials to show your support.

To ensure you don’t miss any negotiations, make sure your contact details are up to date. If you have any questions, please contact President of your branch or visit the websites of SDI and the PSAC.

Juliet Ingram

Total web buff. Student. Tv enthusiast. Evil thinker. Travelaholic. Proud bacon guru.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *