What is the Collective Bargaining Process?

Steps in the Collective Bargaining Process:

Note: Collective bargaining can continue throughout all of these steps.

1. Notice to Commence Collective Bargaining.

2. Commence Collective Bargaining.

Note: Commenced January 2020.

The Collective Agreement expired July 1, 2020.

Note: The agreement remains enforce until i) a new agreement is ratified, ii) strike or lockout occurs, or iii) a 2-year period has elapsed.

b. 37 meetings were held in an attempt to reach a new collective agreement with the BoG. The MRFA remains committed to actively reaching an agreement with the BoG.

3. Voluntary Informal Mediation

Note: The parties engaged in two days of voluntary mediation. Upon conclusion, either:

a. An agreement is reached (skip to step 8), or

b. Collective bargaining continues.

4. Statutory Mediation – A formal process used to try to reach an agreement.

Either the MRFA or the BoG’s team may ask for Statutory Mediation. Note: Statutory Mediation for the current round of bargaining held on January 24-25, 2022. Upon conclusion, either:

a. An agreement is reached (skip to step 8), or

b. Collective bargaining continues.

5. Possible Vote on Mediator’s Recommendation

If the Mediator decides to issue recommendations after the Statutory Mediation process, either side may:

a. Choose to present the recommendations to the group they represent for an acceptance vote,

b. Ask that the recommendations be brought before the other group for consideration of acceptance, or

c. Continue collective bargaining.

6. 14-Day Cooling Off Period

After the conclusion of the Statutory Mediation process, the parties must enter into a 14-day cooling off period.

7. Strike or Lockout

Once impasse has been reached:

a. The MRFA Membership can vote to engage in a strike.

b. The Board of Governors can vote to engage in a lockout.

8. Ratification Vote

Once an agreement has been reached at the table, the Negotiations Team will present the package to the Membership for a ratification vote.