FAQ

The key differences between these two forms of negotiations are that a contract renewal follows the expiry of an existing contract and that during negotiations, the union has the power to strike (workers withdraw labour) and the employer has the power to lock-out (employer locks the workers out from working). In a contract reopener, strike or lockout are not legal permitted and typically commence before the expiry of the contract.

A strike or lock-out typically occurs where the parties are not capable of ratifying terms to complete a contract renewal. In the Urban Fare contract re-opener, if the parties are not capable of ratifying new terms to complete the reopener, then typically the two sides would move to a legal arbitration process through the Labour Board called final offer selection.

In final offer selection, both parties make submissions to the Board on why their preferred terms for changes to the contract should be accepted by the other party. Following submissions, the Board will pick either the employer or the union position in terms of wages and other contract changes, and then order an agreement that must be accepted by both parties.

In a contract re-opener, final offer selection puts pressure on both parties to come to an agreement through negotiation, instead of ending in an order enforced by the Board. This pressure sometimes works to help the parties negotiate an agreement that can be ratified before turning to Arbitration. Parties typically will work in good faith to find and agreement that will avoid the “winner take all” situation that results from final offer selection.
 

With a full Urban Fare contract renewal scheduled for 2025, your committee is working hard toward negotiating a contract reopener in good faith that we are proud to bring back to you for a ratification vote… preferably without the need to turn to final offer selection. If you have any questions about the reopener process, please do not hesitate to contact the union at Reception@ufcw1518.com to be connected to your union rep.