As MUNFA and the administration’s bargaining teams have reached an impasse, the provincially appointed conciliator has filed a report with the Minister Responsible for Labour. This has initiated a 15-day “cooling-off period” lasting until Dec. 29 wherein the two parties cannot initiate job action (a strike or a lockout). After Dec. 29, the administration can lock out MUNFA members and/or MUNFA can hold a strike vote. After a successful strike vote, the Executive Committee will be able to authorize job action if it is necessary.
Before any strike vote is held, a Special General Meeting (SGM) regarding the vote will take place. This SGM, open to all MUNFA members, will take place on Jan. 10 from 1-2:30 pm via Zoom. (Click here to register for this meeting.) More details about the strike vote will be communicated closer to the date of the SGM.
It is important to note that a strike mandate (that is, a majority of voting members voting in favour of authorizing strike action if necessary) will not automatically trigger a strike — in fact, a strong strike mandate is often a crucial tool in encouraging employers to return to the bargaining table and negotiate a fair deal. MUNFA remains committed to returning to the negotiating table and reaching a deal there.