How are collective agreements negotiated?
There are two scenarios for the start of collective bargaining. One is when a trade union has just been certified and has given the employer written notice of its desire to bargain. The second is when an employer and a union are already bound by a collective agreement; in this case, either party may give notice to bargain within the 90 days before the agreement is due to expire, or during any other time period specifically set out in the agreement. In both cases, the union and the employer must meet within 15 days from the giving of notice, unless they agree to some other time period. If, during negotiations, the employer and the union cannot agree on the terms of a collective agreement, either party may ask the Minister of Labour to appoint a conciliation officer. This officer will then try to help them reach an agreement. For more information on collective bargaining, see the Ontario Ministry of Labour website and the Labour Relations Act, 1995.
