The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) issued a press release on July 25 with respect to the status of negotiations involving the bargaining unit representing the employees in, Employment Services and Immigrant Services, of the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario.
OPSEU was certified as the bargaining agent on July 13, 2016. Notice to bargain a first collective agreement was received from OPSEU, on Oct. 17, 2016. Both parties agreed to commence negotiations on Dec. 12, 2016.
"Bargaining sessions have been held during the months of January, March and April, 2017 for a total of nine days. The parties have made steady progress towards the conclusion of a first collective agreement," saod Kim Kanmacher, president and CEO of the Northeastern YMCA in a the presse release.
"The bargaining agent was not available to meet with the YMCA’s Negotiating Committee during the months of May and June, 2017. At the urging of the YMCA, negotiations were set to resume July 25. The parties agreed to meet with a Conciliator from the Ministry of Labour, on Thursday July 27. The YMCA is disappointed that OPSEU has, through a press release, chosen to diminish the progress that the parties have made to date. The YMCA is also very concerned with the mischaracterizations with respect to the work environment."
The press release went on to say that the YMCA remains optimistic and confident that the parties can conclude a first collective agreement in a timely manner.
"YMCA will respect the parties’ agreement not to negotiate through the media and will continue to bargain in good faith to conclude a collective agreement that is in the best interest of our employees, members, the Association and our community partners," said the release.
