December 19, 2011 – Today, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) begins negotiation of a new collective agreement with the Union of Northern Workers (UNW). 

“The GNWT public service is one of our most valued resources and consistently delivers high-quality programs and services to NWT residents,” says Sheila Bassi-Kellett, Deputy Minister of Human Resources. “Throughout the collective bargaining process, the GNWT will continue to support a sustainable public service which balances investment in our employees with fiscal responsibility and good governance.”

The GNWT’s initial proposal will focus on:

• ensuring that the GNWT is fiscally sustainable in the long term;


• continuing to ensure equity and fairness for all employees;


• simplifying the collective agreement so that it is clear and concise for employees and managers; and


• increasing flexibility in work scheduling to support more effective program delivery.

The GNWT and UNW meet December 19-22 to begin negotiations, with negotiations continuing in the New Year. The GNWT will be accountable and transparent throughout the bargaining process, with proposals and updates available to the public on the GNWT website at http://www.hr.gov.nt.ca/bargaining/default.htm.

For more information, please contact:

Shaun Dean
Deputy Secretary, Corporate Communications and Protocol
Department of Executive
Government of the Northwest Territories

Tel: (867) 920-8813