|
10 May 2005
CBC request for conciliator 'premature,
irresponsible'
Canadian
Media Guild | TNG Canada
Local 30213
The CBC has acted prematurely and irresponsibly in asking
the federal government to appoint a conciliator, says the
Guild team that has been negotiating with the public broadcaster
for more than a year.
The CBC advised the Canadian Media Guild of its decision
less than an hour before it applied for conciliation.
A number of key issues, including almost all monetary matters,
have not even been discussed yet at the bargaining table.
Once appointed, a conciliator works with the parties for
up to 60 days to help them get beyond an impasse and negotiate
a deal.
If an agreement cannot be reached
in that time, legislation requires a 21-day "cooling-off period" during
which negotiations can continue. At the end of that period,
either party must give 72 hours notice to begin either
a lockout or strike.
This is not the first time that conciliation has been used
in contract talks with the CBC. It is the Guild's intention
to continue bargaining in good faith to reach an agreement.
As well, the Guild has scheduled a conference call with
local presidents for this evening and more details will be
provided to members in the coming days.
|