The city of Yellowknife just announced they have reached a tentative agreement with Local 345’s city of Yellowknife Municipal Enforcement Division workers.
Abby Schelew, city communications advisor, reported that the terms of the agreement cannot yet be shared, and a media blackout will continue, until Union members ratify the agreement.
Back on Sept. 15, union leaders with Local 345 announced members had voted in favour of a strike mandate after the city stepped away from conciliation talks.
Earlier today, union representatives issued a formal strike notice under the Canada Labour Code.
The workers had planned to begin targeted job action on Monday. Union reps had said that officers would not be patrolling downtown areas or encampments or attend court unless compelled by court order.
According to an announcement issued this morning by their union leaders, targeted job action also included limiting traffic enforcement to school zones only and no parking enforcement.
Union leadership emphasized that the targeted job action was “intended to maintain public safety” while workers enacted their rights to mobilize for a “better deal.”
Josée-Anne Spirito, Public Service Alliance of Canada’s Regional Executive Vice-President for the North Region, said that Yellowknifers trust and rely on these workers to keep the community safe.
“That’s why members will continue to do critical work while advocating for the collective agreement they deserve.”
