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UNW and Dominion Diamond Mines reach tentative agreement

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Dominion said it would take all measures to restart the Ekati Mine as soon as possible and no later than Jan. 29, 2021. NNSL file photo

The Union of Northern Workers and Dominion Diamond Mines have reached an agreement that will be confirmed on July 25 after both parties agree to the terms in principle, stated a UNW release.

The agreement comes after threats from Ekati Diamond Mine to lay-off 150 union employees on the grounds the employees were frequently absent from work.

The release states when the tentative agreement is ratified in July, work will not be contracted out to other labourers.

In the release both union president Todd Parsons and Dominion CEO Patrick Evans expressed satisfaction knowing a deal was in place.

NNSL file photo
UNW president Todd Parsons, left, and first vice-president Gayla Thunstrom. The union has reached a tentative agreement with Dominion Diamond Mines which could save 150 unionized jobs.

“We are pleased that we have been able to agree on an alternative approach that saves our members’ jobs,” stated Parsons. “The tentative agreement will provide job security for all our bargaining unit members since the agreement also includes the terms for a new collective agreement that will be in effect through May 2022.”

Evans added, that this agreement was a good step for Ekati.

“Our preference is that our own employees perform the surface mining operations work and the new agreement allows us to do this,” stated Evans. “While ensuring we are able to control our costs by addressing the longstanding absenteeism issues and improve the morale and productivity of our employees.”