The Government of the Northwest Territories has responded to the Union of Northern Workers’ claim of 70% of GNWT workers voting for a strike.
The GNWT shared the UNW’s commitment in finding a deal, adding the deal needs to meet the interests of all parties.
In their release, the GNWT said that while both sides are working to reach an agreement, the GNWT knows there is the possibility of a strike and are preparing for if/when the right to strike is taken.
When the Union announced the majority vote, it assured residents of the territory that a vote to strike does not mean the stoppage of work.
Minister of Finance for the GWNT, Robert C. Mcleod, said in a statement that he’s bothered with the UNW’s interpretation of the Government’s financial situation, but assured the bargaining process will continue.
“We continue to be concerned with the UNW’s misleading summary of the GNWT’s current fiscal situation. As we continue bargaining to ensure we are providing competitive compensation and benefits to our employees, our challenge remains balancing all of our competing priorities during an unprecedented period of stagnant revenues while being fiscally responsible.”
