The Northwest Territories Power Corporation and the Union of Northern Workers (UNW) announced on Saturday that a tentative agreement has been reached between the two parties after years of negotiations.
According to a UNW communique to members, the new agreement includes:
• salary increases of 8.9 per cent over six years
• Maternity/parental and adoption leave: New provisions to keep pace with legislated changes to Employment Insurance as well as an expansion from 10 weeks to 15 weeks of top up benefits
• New and additional leave provisions for any member who experiences domestic violence
• A letter of Understanding that provides for the creation of a joint committee on mental health
that will begin working within 90 days of ratification of the agreement
• Improved job security provisions that will allow for a regular joint assessment of external
contracts prior to their expiry with a view to bringing that work in house if appropriate.
Earlier in the week, the UNW had threatened strike action to take effect on Monday if weekend negotiations did not result in a final collective agreement.
An April 3 rally at the Jackfish Power Plant saw 50 to 60 NTPC workers and supporters attend to lobby the employer to make a deal with the Union.
The brief release noted that the tentative agreement is subject to final ratification for both parties.
More to come.....