Public Service Alliance of Canada BC

CFIA National Bargaining Conference 2006 - Day 1

The conference began with a keynote speech delivered by Robyn Benson, AEC officer assigned to the CFIA bargaining unit.  Sister Benson provided an overview of our last bargaining cycle and the changes implemented to improve the process in this round.  She outlined the activities for the next two and one-half days, highlighting the fact that conference participants are expected to discuss the bargaining demands package and bargaining priorities, elect a negotiating team, and develop communication and mobilization plans.  She further emphasized that preparation and planning are key elements to successful negotiations.  Her role and responsibilities were also clearly outlined to the group.

The 21 participants in attendance received a presentation about the challenges we face with the new Public Service Modernization Act. They were also told that the PSAC is willing and ready to rise to the challenge in order to reach a fair collective agreement for its members at the CFIA.

The Vice-president of the Agriculture Union, Bob Kingston and PSAC negotiator, Mike McNamara delivered a review of the bargaining history at the CFIA. For Kingston, if there is a lesson to be drawn from the past, it is that the PSAC will have to show its collective strength early in the bargaining process in order to achieve a fair collective agreement.

Day 2 and 3 of the CFIA National Bargaining Conference

The participants at the CFIA National Bargaining Conference spent most of day 2 and 3 reviewing the bargaining proposals that were submitted by the members from all regions of the country. This is a process that has to be done with great care in order to arrive at the bargaining table with a list of demands that reflect the issues of the members

The participants also elected the members of the CFIA Negotiation Team. They are Bob Jackson, BC. Brea Lewis, Al., Marianne Hladun, Sask., Len Halldorson, Man., Marlene O’Neil, ON., Denis Sicard, QC, Debbie Forsythe, Atlantic. They will be assisted by PSA negotiator Mike McNamara and research officer Shawn Vincent. Robyn Benson, PSAC Regional Executive Vice-President: Prairies, is also a member of the Negotiation Team

The members of the Negotiation Team will hold a series of meeting in the next few weeks to finalize the bargaining proposals and to decide when the Notice to bargain will be presented to the employer.