Description: With pickets outside Alcoa’s aluminium plant in Bécancour, Que., output has been reduced to trickle Source: CBC.ca – video report Date: Jan 11, 2019 Link: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/lockout-at-one-of-canada-s-largest-smelters-drags-into-2nd-year-with-no-end-in-sight-1.4973943 Questions for discussion: What does the report have to say about the history of this labour dispute? What would you advise the parties involved in order to settle… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Chapter 11 – The Grievance Arbitration Process
Dias says he’d shut down every GM plant to save Oshawa jobs
Description: The head of the union representing General Motors Co. workers in Oshawa, Ont. says he’s ready to do whatever it takes to save jobs amid the U.S. automaker’s global reorganization – even if it means mass walkouts in U.S. and Canadian plants. Source: BNNBloomberg.com – video report Date: Nov 28, 2018 Link: https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/dias-says-he-d-shut-down-every-gm-plant-to-save-oshawa-jobs-1.1174140 Questions… Read more »
Wrongful dismissal payouts compensate strictly for economic loss for period of time
Description: Cheeky employers may offer less-desirable working notice as negotiating tool to reduce severance package: Howard Levitt Source: FinancialPost.com Date: Nov 20, 2018 Link: https://business.financialpost.com/executive/wrongful-dismissal-payouts-compensate-strictly-for-economic-loss-for-period-of-time Questions for discussion: What does the article say about how managers should handle dismissal of employees? What does the article say about managerial relations with employees during conflict periods related… Read more »
Union defends video identifying ‘scabs’ at D-J Composites after workers report threats
Description: Video posted on Facebook, Twitter by Unifor Canada draws critical reaction Source: CBC.ca – video report Date: Sep 09, 2018 Link: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/unifor-defends-video-identifying-scabs-at-dj-composites-1.4816496 Questions for discussion: Do you think posting this video is acceptable union activity to counterbalance the work being done by scabs? What are the ethical issues involved? Do you think this publicity… Read more »
Union makes offer to jumpstart CAMI talks with GM
Description: Auto industry analyst believes labour dispute is ‘not going to go beyond 10 to 15 days’ Source: CBC.ca Date: Sep 22, 2017 Link: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/cami-ingersoll-strike-talks-1.4299974 Questions for discussion: Why does the analyst believe the strike will be short-lived? What are the negotiating strengths of each side? Who else is affected by the strike?
Arbitrator upholds flu shot requirement
Description: An arbitrator has ruled that members of the B.C. Health Sciences Association must get a flu shot or wear masks during flu season. Source: CBC Date: 10/24/2013 Link: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/b-c-health-care-workers-must-wear-mask-or-have-flu-shot-1.2223888 Related links: CTV story Globe and Mail story Column from the Tyee online magazine Earlier story HSA news release Questions for discussion: Briefly summarize the… Read more »
Union steps up pay equity legal battle against Canada Post
Description: The Public Service Alliance of Canada is seeking a “charging order” against Canada Post as part of its attempt to collect on a pay equity settlement. Source: The Toronto Star Date: 02/23/2013 Link: http://www.thestar.com/business/2013/02/23/union_seeks_charging_order_against_canada_post_property_over_pay_equity_award.html Related links: Earlier news story Supreme Court of Canada judgment PSAC statement PSAC timeline of the dispute Canada Post pay… Read more »
Hospital can’t ban tattoos, arbitrator rules
Description: An arbitrator has struck down an Ottawa hospital policy that forced employees to cover up tattoos and piercings. Source: The Ottawa Citizen Date: 01/18/2013 Link: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/life/fashion-beauty/Tattoos+piercings+Ottawa+Hospital+staff+arbitrator+rules/7839060/story.html Related links: Earlier story Arbitrator Lorne Slotnick’s decision (pdf) Prof. David Doorey’s blog The Ottawa Hospital Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 4000 Questions for discussion: Summarize the… Read more »
Grievance could take years to settle
Description: It could take years to settle a grievance filed by the Mine, Mill and Smelter workers union over bonuses the union says are owed to its members by Xstrata Nickel in Sudbury, Ont. Source: The Sudbury Star Date: 04/15/2011 Link: http://www.thesudburystar.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3076880 Questions for discussion: What type of grievance is this? What steps would this… Read more »