Devonshire cancels mediation date but indicates willingness to bargain

Shortly after the UNA members walked off the job at the Devonshire Care Centre in Edmonton this afternoon, the employer cancelled a previously scheduled mediation date – but also indicated to the union it was willing to negotiate at any time.

As a consequence, UNA responded by offering to meet the employer’s representatives for bargaining on Jan. 3, 4, 5 and 6, or on the Jan. 10 mediation date. UNA is now waiting for the employer’s response.

UNA was shocked and disgusted by the employer's threat, less than three hours before the strike was set to commence, to cancel the strikers' benefits if the union did not immediately present a certified cheque to cover the cost, said UNA Labour Relations Director David Harrigan.

Even in difficult labour disputes it is normal for unions to take over benefit payments in this fashion without attempts by the employer to vindictively derail the process.

See previous stories on this website for more information about the labour dispute at the long-term care centre located at 1808 Rabbit Hill Road in Edmonton.