FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
YELLOWKNIFE, NT – Members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC)/Union of Northern Workers (UNW) Local 345 – representing City of Yellowknife Municipal Enforcement Division (MED) workers – have voted in favour of a strike after conciliation talks broke down on September 12, with the Employer’s latest offer failing to address the significant pay gap between the MED and other City employees.
This rebuff comes on the heels of media reports indicating that officers have increased patrols in the community to prioritize engagement, safety, and visibility.
“From de-escalation, crowd control, and first aid, to keeping our kids safe in school zones and bringing our pets home, these workers play a crucial role in our community,” said Josée-Anne Spirito, Regional Executive Vice-President for PSAC’s North Region. “They deserve wages that reflect the value of their work.”
Job action could begin as early as October 4; however, the Union has not issued a formal strike notice. Workers remain hopeful that the City will return to the bargaining table to secure a fair deal.
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Media Inquiries:
Aaron Manton, Regional Political Communications Officer, PSAC North – mantona@psac-afpc.com
PSAC North is Canada’s largest union north of 60, representing more than 20,000 members in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. We support members in achieving better pay, safe working conditions, employment security, fair treatment, and respect in the workplace. Our members work for various employers, including federal, territorial, and municipal governments, non-profit organizations, and the private sector. UNW is a component of PSAC.