YELLOWKNIFE (April 2, 2012) -- Colin Taylor, a mediator with more than 30 years of experience, will be assisting the Government of the NWT and the Union of Northern Workers as they work towards a new collective agreement.

The GNWT and the Union have been negotiating a new collective agreement since December 19, 2011. After three rounds of negotiations, agreement was reached on a number of items. However, on March 1, 2012, the parties agreed to go to mediation to resolve the remaining issues.

“The GNWT is optimistic that a negotiated agreement can be reached with the UNW,” says Sheila Bassi-Kellett, Deputy Minister of Human Resources.  “Mediation is the next phase of this process. Mr. Taylor brings considerable experience in mediation, including public sector mediation, and we look forward to working with him and the union to reach an agreement.”

Mr. Taylor earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Alberta, and holds a Ph.D. in political science. A former law professor, his Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) practice has taken him across the country. He is a Chartered Mediator and Chartered Arbitrator (ADR Institute of Canada).

The schedule for mediation sessions will be set soon.

The collective agreement between the Government of the NWT and the Union of Northern Workers expired on March 31, 2012. Current terms and conditions of employment will remain in place during mediation.

For more information, contact:

Cathy Jewison
Manager, Policy and Communications
Department of Human Resources
(867) 873-7971