The Union of Northern Workers (UNW) membership voted to ratify a new collective agreement with employer Dominion Diamond, after the company threatened to layoff 150 workers, citing absenteeism.
NNSL file photo
Dominion Diamond will not proceed with contracting out 150 jobs, and has increased its commitment to maintain a bargaining unit size of 500. The increase in the unit size promises an additional 50 jobs beyond the existing UNW membership at the mine.
"I'm very pleased the new agreement provides job security for our workers at the Ekati mine for years to come," said UNW president Todd Parsons in an interview with Yellowknifer.
The ratification was finalized this morning after tallying mail in ballots.
News that the employer would contract out 150 positions prompted fears that Indigenous employment was at risk, with Tlicho Grand Chief George Mackenzie stating that any reduction in northern Indigenous employment could not be accepted.
Dominion Diamond CEO Patrick Evans wrote in a news release, SA国际影视传媒淥ur preference in this situation was to be able to come to an agreement with the union, so we are pleased that the union membership has voted to ratify the agreement. This is a positive development for Ekati and its employees.SA国际影视传媒�
The agreement was meant to expire as of May 31st, 2019 , but the negotiations resulted in three year extension. The new agreement will expire on May 31, 2022.
As a result of the successful negotiations, the union has withdrawn its unfair labour practices complaint and two grievances directly related to the threats to contract out 150 jobs.
The agreement will see improvements to the sick leave policy, and better stipulations for sick leave, cultural leave and family emergencies, said Parsons.
Union members will see economic increases directly tied to the consumer price index for Yellowknife, a feature not included in the previous tentative agreement.
"Our goal always is to reach a fair resolution for our members," said Parsons. "This time we were able to work swiftly and decisively with the employer because that's not always the case."
