Sept 12, 2023

Dear Member;

As you may already be aware from previous updates, IBEW began the conciliation process on Sept 5th of last week with the intent to come to a resolution prior to arbitration which is scheduled for early 2024 on the following outstanding issues:

• Standby Rates of Pay
• Mileage Rates
• Resolving Non-Technical Issues from Home
• Working on a Corporation Holiday
• Northern Leave

We are pleased to report that on Sept 8th (Friday), we came to an agreement on one of the more complex issues of “Standby and Standby Rates of Pay”, that has been resolved on terms that are more favorable for our membership than what the corporation had last tabled on July 18th. Here are some of the high level details on Standby Rates (D3.4.):

• Working Day Standby -  One times the hourly maximum of a PG 23 25

and retroactively applied back to Feb 4/2022 and processed within 120 days.

• Non-Working Day Standby -  Two and a half times the hourly maximum of a

PG 23 25 and retroactively applied back to Feb 4/2022 and processed within 120 days.

• D3.4.1 - Employees who have been scheduled and worked 26 weeks of standby in a fiscal year will receive 2 5 additional standby lieu days added to their balance. Change effective April 1, 2023

Specific details around Standby and other improvements will be shared with the membership when conciliation concludes in October.  The parties will meet again Sept 26, 27, 28, 29, Oct 4, (Oct 6th if required) and the next item that will be discussed at conciliation will be “Mileage Rates”.  As a reminder, items not settled through conciliation may be added to the binding arbitration process that will take place in early 2024 on general wage increases as part of the settlement reached between the parties.

Have a safe week!

In solidarity,

Business Manager
IBEW Local Union 2034