If the employer and the union are already bound by a collective agreement, then either party may give notice to bargain within the 90 days before the agreement is due to expire, or during any other time period specifically set out in the agreement. In either case, the union and the employer must meet within 15 days from the giving of notice, unless they agree to some other time period. Either the employer or the union may ask the Minister of Labour to appoint a conciliation officer . Conciliation is mandatory. Parties in a labour dispute must use the government's conciliation services before getting into position to engage in a strike or lock-out .
Mediation is discretionary.
The conciliation officer informs the Minister of Labour. The minister may then appoint a conciliation board. This seldom happens, however. Rather, the Minister will issue a notice informing the union and the employer that he does not consider it advisable to appoint a conciliation board. For example, if the notice was mailed on August 1, the parties can legally strike or lock out on August 18.