An overwhelming majority of territorial government workers have voted to strike, according to a letter emailed to members this evening by the Union of Northern Workers (UNW).
It isn't clear how many GNWT workers cast ballots in the strike mandate vote that took place through February and March but the letter states nearly 70 per cent voted in favour of a strike. The union represents approximately 4,000 GNWT employees.
"I am very pleased with the outcome of this vote, our members have articulated that they are not interested in the current offer," stated Todd Parsons, president of the UNW. "We are using this strike mandate as support for us to reach out to the employer in hopes of returning to the bargaining table in order to reach a deal that is fair for all employees."
GNWT workers and the government have been without contract since the old one expired on March 31, 2016. Voting members have rejected an offer of zero per cent wage increases the first two years, followed by a one per cent increase in the third year, and 1.1 per cent in the fourth year, according to the letter.
Parsons said in the letter that even though the union has been handed a strike mandate by its membership, it is still hopeful an agreement can be negotiated.
"Our purpose is not to strike, because a strike is bad for everyone. It is a powerful tool that we have been given and I hope that we don't have to use it," said Todd Parsons.