Collective Agreement & Bargaining Foundations
Under the Alberta Labour Relations Code and Article 21.2.5, this document remains in full force beyond its expiry date until a new agreement is ratified or a legal strike/lockout occurs.
What is the Collective Agreement?
While the Collective Bargaining Caucus operationalizes overall strategy, this 5-member body represents the Association directly at the negotiation table with the Board of Governors.
What is the Bargaining Team?
During Stage 1 (Prepare) and Stage 2 (Interest Exchange) of the Collective Bargaining Index, this is the risk level of legal job action.
What is zero / no possibility?
To conduct targeted research and generate deliverables on bargaining priorities, the CBC has authority to strike these specialized working groups.
What are Bargaining Resource Groups?
Mandated by Article 21.1 and MRFA policy, this cooperative negotiation framework requires joint training for both teams prior to February 1.
What is Interest-Focused Bargaining (IFB)?
Elected in odd-numbered years, this Officer serves as the Chair of both the Collective Bargaining Caucus.
Who is the Negotiations Officer?
If negotiations stall at Stage 4, the parties enter this required statutory process under Article 21.5 before moving toward a strike vote.
What is Mediation (Informal or Formal)?
Developed by the CBC and presented to membership no later than November 30 prior to notice, this document outlines the specific priorities exchanged with the Board of Governors.
What is the Statement of Interests (or Draft Bargaining Mandate)?
Under MRFA Bylaw 14.1 and Policy, this body holds exclusive ultimate authority to cause the Association to bargain collectively and bind it to an agreement.
Who is the Executive Board?
By December preceding a bargaining year, the CBC recommends this specific number of its caucus members to be appointed to the Bargaining Team.
What is five (5) members?
At Stage 6 (Alert), the Association enters this mandatory timeframe following formal mediation before a legal strike or lockout can commence.
What is the 14-day cooling-off period?
Under Bylaw 14.3, a tentative Collective Agreement must be ratified by members through secret ballot via this specific voting threshold.
What is a Special Resolution of the Membership?