GNWT - UNW Collective Bargaining 2009
April 24, 2009
A Tentative Agreement has been reached!
Click here for more information.
We invite your questions, comments and feedback.
For Opening Proposals click here
For Follow Up Proposals click here
What is the collective agreement? The collective agreement applies to all our public service employees. It is the guiding document that outlines the terms of employment and contains guidance for managers and employees on a range of issues. The collective agreement includes rates of pay, how leave is earned and used as well as how disputes are resolved.
What are the Timelines? The bargaining process began on December 5th, 2008, and will continue until an agreement is reached or negotiations break down. See Bargaining Overview for further details on the process.
Why is it important? We are working towards a new collective agreement that supports the Legislative Assembly’s vision outlined in ‘Northerners Working Together,’ and we realize the important role our employees play in achieving the Government’s priorities. That’s why we are looking forward to working with the UNW to find effective and sustainable ways to invest in our public service workers, while at the same time remaining fiscally responsible.
We will be accountable and transparent throughout the bargaining process, with proposals and updates available on this website as they are made public.
Our Goals
The GNWT’s initial proposals focus on four distinct areas:
1. Developing a sustainable public service:
This means balancing the need for fiscal restraint with the need to invest in our employees. We need to be able to attract employees into the public service, and find ways to ensure that they want to stay.
2. Offering a competitive compensation package:
While we need to live within our means, we also need to ensure that our compensation package is attractive enough to compete with other employers, especially in western and northern Canada. Being competitive is not just about pay – it also means providing a workplace that offers a balance between work and personal life, emphasizes safety, and provides opportunities for growth and development.
3. Recognizing that the cost of living is a concern for NWT residents:
Addressing the cost of living for all NWT residents is a stated priority of the Government. Our employees will look to the terms of employment contained in the collective agreement as one means of coping.
4. Negotiating a collective agreement that is clear and understandable, and treats employees fairly and equitably:
The GNWT is seeking a collective agreement that offers fair and equitable treatment of all public service employees. The collective agreement must also give managers and employees clear and practical solutions to guide the day to day smooth operation of government.
