Attention Members,

On June 19, the GVRDEU Bargaining Committee met with the mediator at the Labour Relations Board for introductory discussions. The employer is scheduled to meet with the mediator the following day, June 20. Mediation dates have been set for June 25, 28, 29, and 30. At the mediator’s direction, no further notices will be issued to members or the press regarding the details of mediation while discussions are ongoing, as public commentary during this stage does not assist the process.

Recent statements have disingenuously suggested that the union requested a six-month delay in commencing collective bargaining. To ensure members have an accurate understanding of the facts, we wish to clarify the record.

The union did not request a six-month delay. The union and the employer mutually agreed to postpone bargaining until the arbitration decision regarding vacation carryover was issued. At the time, the union expected the arbitration process to conclude within a relatively short period (March – April 2025).

The delay that followed was not caused by the union. Throughout the arbitration process, the union remained available and prepared to proceed. However, the process was extended by employer-related scheduling issues, unavailable hearing dates, changes to proposed dates, and multiple requests for extensions regarding submissions.

Because the arbitration was not completed within the expected timeframe, the start of collective bargaining was delayed. Once it became clear that the arbitration process would continue to be prolonged, the union served notice to commence collective bargaining on June 26, 2025. To be clear, the union did not seek a six-month postponement of bargaining. The delay resulted from multiple scheduling and extension requests by the employer that arose during that process.

In solidarity,

GVRDEU Bargaining Committee