Nancy McKerroll
Office Administrator, Institute of Municipal Assessors
10720 Yonge St., Suite 206
Richmond Hill, Ontario  L4C 3C9

Re: Deadline extension for cancellation of registration at the IMA conference

Dear Ms. McKerroll:

I am writing with respect to a complication that has arisen in relation to members of my union, the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), and the IMA conference this month in Niagara Falls.

As you know, assessment professionals look forward to the IMA conference all year long. As you will also know, the overwhelming majority of assessment professionals who work at the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) are members of OPSEU. Attendance at the IMA conference is a paid duty assignment and is part of their work.

In collective bargaining with MPAC, OPSEU members have been forced to set a strike deadline of 12:01 a.m. on June 17. Negotiations resume on June 15, but if we are unable to reach a collective agreement by the deadline, OPSEU members will be on strike. As a result, it is entirely possible that OPSEU members will be unable to attend the IMA conference, as to do so would involve performing struck work. They would, therefore, have to cancel their registration to the conference.

I am aware of your cancellation policy. At this time, however, OPSEU members cannot say with any certainty whether they will be able to attend the IMA conference, and they will not know before your June 10 cancellation deadline. I am writing to request that you extend that deadline by one week, to June 17, for MPAC staff.

I realize this may cause complications with respect to your dealings with the conference hotels. Please let me know if I can be of assistance in your conversations with them.

As you can understand, this is an unusual circumstance – thank you in advance for your assistance. And again, do not hesitate to call.