Strike ready

We are at a turning point in negotiations. A reasonable settlement may be in reach or an energetic strike may be about to begin. The government may decide to play it straight with us, for once, or give us the brush-off yet again. We’ll know soon. But in the meantime, we must operate on the assumption that strike action will be needed.

An employer can play many games in negotiations, and members who are experienced with strikes know the Treasury Board has done exactly that in the past. A favourite game is to raise members’ expectations about a settlement only to dash them with a low-ball offer. “Send them to the picket line down in the dumps” is the idea, and this game could be coming our way. To deal with this game, and others, we must be lacing up our walking shoes now. Thanksgiving weekend is not usually given over to psychological preparation like this, but that’s how it is in 2004.

Our union is ready for a strike. The strike structures are in place, locals are set to go and members are determined to push our case for a fair deal. The economy is strong and government revenues are high. The government pays management well and treats MP’s to a generous salary. Now it’s our turn. We deserve better treatment at the bargaining table and we’re prepared to do what it takes to get it.

The upcoming negotiations may hold a pleasant surprise for us, but let’s get ready, in every sense, to make October 12 the day we take the fight to the government.

In solidarity,

Jeannette Meunier-McKay
National President