Nunavut Employees Union members ratify new agreement with Qulliq Energy Corporation

IQALUIT, June 13, 2012 /CNW/ - Members of the Nunavut Employees Union of the Public Service Alliance of Canada have ratified a new agreement with the Qulliq Energy Corporation.

The new three-year agreement provides economic increases of 2.5% retroactive to January 1, 2011, 2% retroactive to January 1, 2012 and a further 2% effective January 1, 2013.

Employees on strength on the date of ratification will also receive a $1,100 signing bonus

"It took a strong strike vote by our members to convince the Corporation that they were not prepared to accept all of the concessions QEC proposed," says Nunavut Employees Union president Doug Workman.

According to Julie Docherty, PSAC regional executive vice-president for the north, "our members deserve credit for their solidarity and persistence through this long process which enabled the union to finally reach an acceptable agreement."

Other improvements include increases in shift premiums, clothing and boot allowances and a guaranteed minimum 5% increase when employees perform acting duties. There is now a new comprehensive letter of understanding on the Apprenticeship Program and improvements associated with training and various types of leave.

The new agreement runs until December 31, 2013. It was reached with the assistance of a mediator after months of negotiations failed to produce an agreement. NEU/PSAC represents 150 workers at QEC.

Doug Workman, President, Nunavut Employees Union, 867-222-1397 (cell)