Understanding Your Rights During Negotiations

With our Collective Agreement reaching its scheduled expiry date on October 31, 2026, we understand members may have questions about what happens next and how this affects their employment.

The following FAQs explain what members can expect while negotiations for a new Collective Agreement take place.

1. Does our Collective Agreement remain in effect?

Yes. Under Article 36.01 – Term of Agreement, our Collective Agreement contains provisions allowing it to remain in force beyond October 31, 2026, until a new agreement is reached in accordance with the Nova Scotia Trade Union Act.

This means our negotiated rights and protections do not automatically disappear simply because the scheduled expiry date has passed.

2. Will our wages, benefits, vacation, and other entitlements continue?

Yes. The existing terms and conditions of employment continue to apply during the applicable continuation period.

Members should continue receiving their established wages, benefits, vacation entitlements, overtime, and other contractual protections.

3. Will Double Overtime under MOA #6 continue?

Yes. The Union’s position is that MOA #6, regarding Double Overtime, remains in effect while the existing Collective Agreement continues.

Paragraph 5 of MOA #6 states that the memorandum expires in accordance with the term of the Collective Agreement.

Since Article 36.01 provides for the continuation of the Collective Agreement beyond October 31, 2026, the Union maintains that the Double Overtime provisions continue as well.

Members should continue receiving Double Overtime in accordance with the existing eligibility requirements under MOA #6.

4. Can the Employer change our working conditions?

The Employer cannot simply disregard the existing Collective Agreement because its scheduled expiry date has passed.

Any changes to wages, benefits, scheduling, or other working conditions must comply with the Collective Agreement and applicable labour legislation.

Members should report any concerns regarding changes to their working conditions to their Shop Steward or Union representative.

5. Can members still file grievances?

Yes. Members should continue reporting potential violations of the Collective Agreement.

Existing grievance procedures and applicable timelines should continue to be followed. Members should not delay bringing concerns forward because negotiations are underway.

6. Will wage increases be retroactive once a new agreement is reached?

Retroactive wage increases are not automatic and must be addressed through negotiations.

The Union will pursue improvements to compensation, including consideration of retroactive wage adjustments. Any agreed increases and effective dates will be explained to members as part of a tentative agreement.

7. How long will negotiations take?

There is no guaranteed timeline for reaching a new agreement.

Some issues may be resolved quickly, while others require further discussions and bargaining sessions.

Our priority is to negotiate a fair and meaningful agreement rather than rush the process.

8. Does the expiry of our Collective Agreement mean we are going on strike?

No. The expiry of a Collective Agreement does not automatically result in a strike or other job action.

Any potential labour action must follow the requirements of the Nova Scotia Trade Union Act. Members would be informed of significant developments and any decisions requiring their involvement.

Our Commitment to Members

Although our Collective Agreement reached its scheduled expiry date on October 31, 2026, our commitment to protecting your rights and representing your interests remains unchanged.

Your Negotiating Committee, Union leadership, and supporting resources will continue working toward improvements in wages, benefits, working conditions, and contractual protections.

We appreciate your patience, involvement, and continued support throughout this process.

Our goal remains to protect what we have achieved and negotiate the strongest possible Collective Agreement for our membership.

In Solidarity,

IUOE Local 727
Union Leadership and Negotiating Committee
Phone: (902) 481-0523
Fax: (902) 481-0531
202 Brownlow Ave, Unit 420
Dartmouth, NS B3B 1X2