Earlier this year, I wrote an article regarding the efforts of solar workers in Edmonton to unionize.
These half dozen or so workers were employed with BayWa R.E. Solar Systems Inc., which is a subsidiary of a Germany-based multinational company and is based out of Edmonton. The employer distributes photovoltaic products to commercial clients throughout Canada.
At the time, the workers were interested in unionizing with Local 362 of the General Teamsters Union. Well, it turns out that the Alberta Labour Relations Board approved the application to certify and a majority of the workers voted to unionize, as the ALRB awarded a certificate number on 18 March 2024.
The first step most workers take after unionizing is forming a bargaining committee and begin negotiating a new contract, which these workers did.
However, despite nearly 6 months passing since they were awarded their certificate, these workers have been unable to convince the employer to move forward on their first contract.
As a result, the workers, with the help of Local 362, filed an application last week with the ALRB to ask for help settling the terms on the first collective agreement. Specifically, they have asked for enhanced mediation.
The labour relations board has set a hearing for later today, during which time, both the workers and the employer will have a chance to present their arguments for bargaining. Hopefully, the board will be able to get the process moving.
Because the ALRB doesn’t archive their new application reports, I’ve included a copy below for your convenience.
