The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and the Union of Northern Workers (UNW) Local 13, who represent Fort Simpson Housing Authority workers, announced on Aug. 9 that unionized employees have voted to strike against the housing organization.

Workers met on Aug. 6 to review the latest updates from their collective bargaining agreement with the Fort Simpson Housing Authority, according to their news release.

"Members in attendance voted unanimously in favour of striking after the designated conciliation period ended without a tentative deal."

The news release states that the bargaining team felt the employer wasn't prioritizing raising wages, with proposed increases subpar to other agreements in the NWT.

SA国际影视传媒淚nstead of lining corporate pockets by contracting out this critical work, this employer must put in place wages to support staff and ensure the right people are in place to provide better services to communities,SA国际影视传媒� stated Jos茅e-Anne Spirito, regional executive vice-president for PSACSA国际影视传媒檚 North region.

The news release adds that "chronikc underfunding" by the GNWT has made it harder to recruit more workers like plumbers and mechanics, so current workers spend most of their time on emergency repairs and lack the resources for periodic maintenance.

SA国际影视传媒淭aking job action is always a last resort, but the overwhelming support for our strike mandate shows we are prepared to do what it takes to win a fair contract,SA国际影视传媒� stated Sandy Kidd, a long-time housing authority worker and member of the Local 13 bargaining team.

The union is scheduled to start negotiations on Aug. 20 under the watch of a mediator. If they can come to an agreement at that time, a strike could be averted, according to the news release.