September 27, 2007

Negotiations - Program and Administrative Services (PA) bargaining unit

The PA Bargaining Team met during the period 26 Feb - 01 Mar 07 to narrow down the 342 demands received to meet the required maximum of only 30 demands in total (maximum of 10 Break Through, maximum of 10 Keeping Pace and Operational (no maximum however, total demands can not exceed 30)).

Notice to Bargain for our group was served 20 Feb 07 while our demands were exchanged electronically with the employer mid Apr 07. The Bargaining Team met with the employer 14 - 15 May 07 to discuss our position and began negotiations 05 - 08 June 07. This is the first time that our group has been able to begin negotiations without the contract being expired.

Accomplishments made during meetings with the employer during June included signing off of all non-renewal articles (no demands from either side submitted). We also discussed a policy we would like the employer to consider for Language Training as well as discussions on Hours of Work, Acting Pay and Travel Time however no decisions finalized.

From the Union side, we conduct All Tables meetings that last 1/2 day while all teams are in Ottawa so that we can ensure all teams are aware of issues or concerns. We have also agreed to which priorities each team will be given to take the lead on as well as identifying the need to place the Employer's demands on the PSAC web site which was done on 20 Sep 07. The demands are there so that our membership will have a better understanding of what the Employer is seeking as well as what we have to deal with.

Negotiations will commence again in Oct, Nov and Dec. The PA and SV Groups will meet 02 - 06 Oct, 30 Oct - 02 Nov and 10 - 13 Dec 07 while the TC Group will meet 09 - 12 Oct,06 - 09 Nov and 17 - 20 Dec 07. All Tables meetings will be held 06 Oct, 03 Nov and 15 Dec 07.

Finally, all Teams have agreed that we will not use the Employer's email systems to update our membership so for any future updates, I will require an outside email address.

Debbie Graham