Both the employer and union had wanted to have a job evaluation package ready for implementation by the end of September. However the pay equity work has been complex. As a result it is important to get this right rather than rush the process. For detailed information please see the Union Newsletter dated November 21, 2011.

Regarding the Attendance Credit Cash out both parties have secured their own expert legal opinions. Both opinions warn there is a risk the Canada Revenue Agency may tax every employee if there is an option to cash out attendance credits prior to retirement. In light of this it is important to proceed with caution. Accordingly we are exploring solutions with expert legal counsel.

The policy grievances are scheduled to be heard at the Grievance Settlement Board on December 19, 2011. These include:

Policy grievances for field staff that have been told the business will not consider either 10/9 or 5/4 FWA's.

Plus a separate policy grievance has been filed with Operations regarding the approach to start times and finish times.

Accommodation cases are being prioritized and getting resolved. Individual grievances are also moving forward.