Deal reached in Resolute Bay

RESOLUTE BAY, NU, Nov. 6 /CNW Telbec/ - A first collective agreement was reached Tuesday between the workers organized by the Public Service Alliance of Canada and the Hamlet of Resolute Bay. The union members had voted 90% in favour of strike action in the hopes of getting their employer to the table to get a fair deal. A Federal Mediator flew into Resolute Bay help bring about the agreement.

Jean-François Des Lauriers, Regional Executive Vice-President of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) North and Doug Workman , President of the Nunavut Employees Union (NEU) were pleased that a first collective agreement had been reached.

The contract provides for substantial wage increases, a new Northern Allowance for all employees, new leave provisions including paid leave for traditional pursuits (3 days), improved vacation leave, excellent health and safety language, and fairness and respect in the workplace.

"This is a vast improvement, especially for a first collective agreement, and goes to show the benefits of unionization", Des Lauriers said. "The improved pay and benefits, better leave provisions, more equitable treatment of workers and the overall better working conditions, which we achieved resulted from the workers standing together!"

Workman added: "Our members can be proud of the contract which they have achieved, and the Nunavut Employees Union will be there to ensure the hard-won gains are upheld."

The workers ratified their new collective agreement on November 3rd . The Hamlet is expected to ratify the contract within days.

For further information: Jean-François Des Lauriers, Regional Executive Vice-President - North, Public Service Alliance of Canada: [phone]; Doug Workman, President, Nunavut Employees Union: [phone]