Tuesday Members’ Memo – April 28, 2020

Video and live stream conferencing have become part to the new normal as we adjust to the realities of the COVID-19 Pandemic. This is no less the case for unions and employers as they deal with grievances and arbitrations. GSU has proposed that consideration be given to using video conference to conduct a Local 4 (Grain Millers) grievance arbitration scheduled for early June. 

“With bans on gatherings of any size, a requirement to maintain physical separation, and public health measures we need to take into account, it makes sense to consider alternative approaches to the usual courtroom style that applies to arbitration hearings,” said GSU general secretary Hugh Wagner. “We don’t know what public health restrictions and safety protocols will be in place in early June, so rather than postpone the case I’ve raised the video conference idea with the arbitrator and legal counsel for the employer.” 

Wagner advises that the alternative he’s proposed for this particular grievance arbitration is being considered by the employer side and he hopes to receive an answer in the next few days.