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 [1].) 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.