March 28, 2023
TO: ALL UNW/PSAC LOCAL 25 MEMBERS AT AVENS
The union and employer will be meeting April 5th and 6th for conciliation. Conciliation is a step in the bargaining process that brings the employer and union bargaining teams together with the help of a third party to facilitate a deal. Conciliation is a mandatory step before job action, like a strike, can take place.
As your bargaining team prepares for these meetings the workplace has been abuzz with activity. You are sending a clear message to your employer that you continue to support your bargaining team and will not settle for a deal that isn’t fair for all workers at Avens. The team has heard you and they are committed to bring you a deal that recognizes the physical and mental demands of your job. Our next step is to talk to the families and the citizens of Yellowknife, asking them to provide their support to you. In the meantime, more mobilization activities including more Strike Training Sessions are being planned. The importance of your participation in these activities cannot be understated.
While you continue to mobilize in the workplace, know that the union leadership is behind you; beside you and as always there with you. We are here to support your fight for a fair collective agreement in any way we can.
In Solidarity,
Gayla Thunstrom, UNW President
Lorraine Rousseau, PSAC REVP North