FORT SIMPSON, NT – Striking members of Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC)/Union of Northern Workers (UNW) Local 13 voted overwhelmingly in favour of ratifying a new collective agreement with the Fort Simpson Housing Authority earlier today.
This deal comes after these members held the line for 53 days to secure fair wages that reflect the value of their work and improve housing services for their community.
The three-year agreement for Fort Simpson Housing Authority workers secures general economic increases that fall within half a percentage point of what Government of Northwest Territories workers have negotiated. Other highlights of the agreement include a land acknowledgement statement, extended parental and civic duty leave, and a requirement that the Employer pay for any note requested to certify sick leave.
“When workers stand together for fair wages and better working conditions, it strengthens not only their workplaces but also the services families rely on across the North,” said Josée-Anne Spirito, PSAC North Regional Executive Vice-President. “As we continue to fight for improved housing services, fair wages, or stronger protections for the next generation of workers, we hope the GNWT will stand behind its commitment to workers and families and fund housing like it matters.”
Chronic underfunding of housing in the Northwest Territories continues to have real impacts on Housing Authority workers and the communities they serve. Consistently low wages that fail to reflect the difficult realities of living in the North have meant years of overwork and burnout for workers and worsening living conditions for families who rely on this housing. This agreement represents a significant step toward better housing for workers and families across the North.
"I sincerely thank everyone for their support of the Fort Simpson Housing members,” said Gayla Thunstrom, UNW President. “This is a huge win for these workers, and a win for the workers is a win for community public housing. These members' collective strength and perseverance has set the bar for other local housing authorities' bargaining across the NWT in the coming months.”
Fort Simpson Housing Authority workers serve over 180 housing units, primarily in Fort Simpson, in addition to providing services to Jean Marie River, Sambaa K'e, Nahanni Butte, and Wrigley. With a new agreement in place they are expected to return to work as early as Monday, November 25.
Media Inquiries:
Aaron Manton, Regional Political Communications Officer PSAC North - mantona@psac-afpc.com