Collective bargaining moves to the next phase

Communiqués de presse

Yellowknife (March 6, 2012) – The third round of collective bargaining between the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) and the Union of Northern Workers (UNW) concluded on March 1st. Since December, 2011, the parties have been negotiating the renewal of the collective agreement that expires March 31, 2012.

While significant progress has been made on a number of issues, the parties were unable to reach an overall tentative agreement through negotiations. As a result, the GNWT and UNW will be seeking the assistance of a mediator with the aim of concluding an agreement in the near future.

The GNWT remains committed to respecting and supporting its employees and the overall sustainability of the public service, while also maintaining the quality programs and services it provides to NWT residents. The government is doing this while continuing to manage its limited resources within the current fiscal environment.

The GNWT values its employees and believes this was demonstrated at the negotiating table by offering increases in compensation. While modest, the proposed compensation increases reflect the GNWT’s current fiscal environment. Since 1999, the GNWT has supported a 38% increase in total compensation, compared to a 28% increase in cost of living over that same timeframe.

The GNWT continues to plan for next steps and remains optimistic that a tentative agreement can be reached with the assistance of a mediator.

For more information, contact:

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