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Strike training starts as GNWT negotiations fail

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Sidney Cohen/NNSL photo Todd Parsons, president of the Union of Northern Workers.

The Union of Northern Workers (UNW) is preparing to train GNWT workers for a possible strike after negotiations stalled this weekend.

A message posted on the union's website today states talks adjourned late on Friday, “when it became clear that the parties are still far apart after almost three years of negotiations for a renewal collective agreement.”

The union pushed for job security and wage increases at the bargaining table, stated UNW president Todd Parsons.

“It is really a sad state of affairs when after all this time, the government still thinks employees should subsidize its overly-ambitious infrastructure plans,” stated Parsons.

“Our members need a living wage and at the very least deserve wage increases that keep pace with inflation,” he said.

Parsons called the failure to address cost of living increases “completely disrespectful to the employees who serve the people of the Northwest Territories.”

Both parties await the mediator’s report. The mediator has 14 days to complete the report.

The union will announce strike training dates and locations, and started training employees in Hay River this weekend, the union states.