Nunavut Employees Union Government of Nunavut Bargaining Update #4 June 2019
The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC-North)/Nunavut Employees Union (NEU) Bargaining Team held its fourth Bargaining Session with the Government of Nunavut (GN) in Rankin Inlet during the week of June 3, 2019. While the Union Team remained disappointed in the GN offer it received on May 10, 2019 as reported in the third bargaining update, it was determined to try to reach an agreement that would address Members’ demands by the end of the fourth session. Unfortunately, the PSAC-North/NEU Team was unable to reach an agreement with the GN and has elected to seek the assistance of a mediator to do so.
In its first meeting with the GN Team, the Union Team tabled a comprehensive package proposal in response to the GN’s package offer of May 10, 2019. While the GN responded by improving slightly on their last offer, important Union demands remained unaddressed. Ultimately, the PSAC-North/NEU Team determined that there was not enough movement at this point. Since the GN Team had indicated that the offer was the best they could do given their limited mandate, the Union Team determined that there was no point in continuing without the assistance of a mediator and an improved GN mandate.
Mediation is prescribed under section 60 of Public Service Act when the Union and the GN are unable to reach a Collective Agreement on any term or condition of employment. It is also necessary step on the way to any job action. Unfortunately, all recent GN bargaining had to go to mediation to reach a Collective Agreement.
The PSAC-North/NEU Team continues to work for a fair and just collective agreement that addresses our Members’ demands. We remain hopeful that with your support and the help of a mediator, a fair and just collective agreement can be reached.
The Union will issue another bargaining update as soon as there is anything to report.
In solidarity,
Your PSAC-North/NEU Bargaining Team
Noel Collins, Simon Doiron, Linda Hunter, Ruth Kaluraq, Don Moors, Rick Roberts, Bill Fennell (NEU President), Darren Pacione (PSAC Researcher), and John Eustace (PSAC Negotiator)
