October 11, 2019
After a strategic break, CATCA reconvened the Contract Committee this week in Toronto. The goal was to take a different approach, allowing us to craft another comprehensive offer for presentation to NAV Canada. The Committee has done exactly that, and on Friday, CATCA presented a complete proposal to settle this round of collective bargaining.
Both sides have now adjourned, and CATCA awaits a response from NAV Canada. We feel it is important to reiterate that both sides remain far apart on the issue of wage increases. No progress has been made on that key issue at this time.
Because of the significant difference in opinions on salary, CATCA continues to pursue a Maintenance of Activities Agreement (MOAA), which would outline services that can be withdrawn in the event of a strike. Meetings were held in Ottawa on October 2, and additional meetings are scheduled for October 23. NAV Canada’s position during MOAA negotiations was disappointing. It is clear to CATCA that NAV Canada intends to make the MOAA process as difficult as possible. While the MOAA is a top priority for CATCA, if NAV Canada continues its current strategy, acquiring one could take considerable time. It would not be unreasonable to expect six months to a year.
We are hopeful that NAV Canada’s response to CATCA’s latest bargaining offer will be one of respect, and will allow fruitful discussions leading to a tentative agreement. NAV Canada and CATCA are currently discussing dates to reconvene negotiations later this month. Once dates are confirmed, we will advise members.
We thank the membership for their patience and support as we continue this process. Members are again reminded that all collective agreements CATCA has ratified after expiry have always included full retroactivity on monetary items.
On behalf of the Contract Committee,
Peter Duffey Doug Best
President Executive Vice President
Click here for the PDF.