Museum continues to refuse arbitration as strike drags into 11th week

OTTAWA , Dec. 1 /CNW Telbec/ - PSAC National President John Gordon contacted Museum of Civilization Corporation CEO Victor Rabinovitch via letter yesterday, suggesting that the parties agree to binding arbitration to end the strike at the Museum of Civilization and War Museum, now in its 11th week.

On Thursday, the workers voted overwhelmingly to reject CMCC's final offer, at a membership meeting in Gatineau. Hundreds attended the meeting, voting to reject the offer by a margin of 96 per cent.

Gordon underscored the fact that the arbitration process does not preclude negotiations between the parties from continuing because arbitrators often find a way to arrive at a voluntary settlement rather than impose one.

The main advantage of arbitration in this case, according to Gordon, is that the workers can go back to work, the museum can resume full operations, and both sides would have their positions addressed by a neutral third party

On Friday, the CMCC's Chantal Schryer was quoted in the Ottawa Citizen as saying that the museum would meet to re-consider its position on an arbitrated settlement this week.

"Given that it's now the 72nd day of the strike, and that we have been in negotiations for more than eight months, it's clear that arbitration is the best option for both parties. The striking workers have spoken in favour of binding arbitration. The federal Labour Minister has said she is standing by ready to appoint an arbitrator. It is now time for the museum stop prolonging the strike," said Gordon.

"We tried in good faith to reach an agreement but the museum has made it impossible for us to achieve a fair contract," said Daniel Poulin , President of PSAC Local 70396. Submitting our dispute to a neutral third party is the only solution."

The 420 striking workers will rally on Parliament Hill today at 10:30 am , with remarks from PSAC National President John Gordon and National Vice-President Patty Ducharme .

For further information: Ariel Troster, (cell): [phone]