Mediator Chosen

We have agreed to Tom Hodges as the mediator for our next mediation session. His name was put forward by SIAST and we are cautiously optimistic that with his background and experience he can bring our session to a successful conclusion. We will be arranging dates for this session with Mr. Hodges and SIAST management as well as the Academic Bargaining Unit

SIAST Issues Lockout Notice

After business hours on Friday Nov. 12th, SIAST issued lockout notices to the Professional Services and Academic bargaining units. The letters state that a lockout could be imposed any time after Nov. 14th at midnight. They also replied to our request for an out of province mediator. they have agreed but have also asked the Minister of Labour to appoint a mediator. The two bargaining units had requested that Fred Cuddington be appointed as he has a proven record of settling previous disputes between the parties.

Disappointing Opening Offer

SIAST tabled a wage increase of 1, 1.5 and 1.5 for each year of the collective agreement. However they also stated that if we wished to improve any of our benefits or pension it would be costed from this 4% meaning that the actual wage increases would be lower if any benefit was improved. Very disappointing for all the members of the bargaining committees and I believe it will also be disappointing to the members.