Ontario Labour Relations Board
Between: Malcolm Slater, H. Osborne, K. Felon, K. Abbott, D. Llewelyn, S. Taylor, and others, Applicants v. Canadian Auto Workers, Local 222, R. Adkins (Skilled Trades Chairperson – Peregrine Unit), Responding Party.
Before: David A. McKee, Vice-Chair.
Decision of the Board: November 2, 2001
DECISION OF THE BOARD
1The Board has received the submissions of the applicants in this matter.
2It is evident that there are serious issues at stake in this grievance. While the applicants have not suffered any loss of earnings to date, there are clearly implications for the future of their employment.
3On the other hand, the Union is dealing with a difficult situation given the bankruptcy of one employer and the sale of certain portions of the business to other entities. No doubt there are pressures on the Union which will require it to balance various long and short-term interests. Part of this process will require an assessment of the accuracy of assertions being made by others in the collective bargaining process. It is unlikely that requiring the Union to be explicit about its evaluation of this process in a public manner is likely to assist it or the applicants at this time.
4I do not mean to lose sight of the importance of the issues for the applicants. However, since they are not currently laid off, the request of the Union to extend the deadline for a response, originally set for October 17, 2001, is reasonable. The Union is directed to advise the Board of the status of this matter on or before February 4, 2002.
5In the interim, the applicants and the Union (preferably including Mr. Graham) are directed to meet with a Labour Relations Officer to discuss the progress of this grievance before that date.
6This file is referred to the Manager of Field Services to arrange such a meeting. I remain seized of this application.
"David A. McKee"
for the Board