Definitions - Collective Bargaining

Collective agreement

An agreement in writing, entered into by the employer and a bargaining agent, containing provisions respecting terms and conditions of employment and related matters.

Conciliation

Dispute resolution process to resolve a dispute or difference arising from negotiations carried out as part of the collective bargaining process. On recommendation from the Public Service Labour Relations Board Chairperson, a public interest commission is established and will issue a public report as to its findings and recommendations. Should there still be disagreement, the bargaining agent can declare a strike providing conditions are met.

Notice to bargain

A notice given in writing by the employer or the bargaining agent requiring the other to start bargaining collectively with a view to entering or revising a collective agreement.

Public Interest Commission (PIC)

Consists of either one or three members appointed to assist the parties in resolving the dispute. The PIC will submit a report to the Chairperson of the Public Service Labour Relations Board with regard to its success or failure and as to its findings and recommendations within 30 days after it was established, or within any longer period that may be agreed on by the parties or determined by the Chairperson.

The public interest commission will submit a public report that includes its findings, recommendations and written reasons for its recommendations to the Chairperson of the PSLRB. The recommendations of the public interest commission are only binding if both parties had agreed that they would be binding before the commission issues its report.

Public Service Labour Relations Board (PSLRB)

The PSLRB is responsible for administering the collective bargaining process in the federal public service and in Parliament.