Union of Northern Workers 'well-resourced' for labour disputes: president
As strikes by workers in Hay River and Fort Smith continue, the union that represents them says it has plenty of money to fight for the deals it feels are fair for its workers.
"There's more than $32 million in the PSAC (Public Service Alliance of Canada) strike fund and there's approximately $2 million in the UNW strike fund so we're well-resourced to take on these employers," says Todd Parsons, president of the Union of Northern Workers.
Parsons says the 30 striking town workers in Hay River are collecting $150 per day for picket duty.
The strike entered its fifth day on Friday. The main sticking point in negotiations is wages.
Parsons has indicated that the union would likely accept a three-year deal with two per cent wage increases each year. The town is offering one per cent.
The strike is creating some backlash.
The Hay River Figure Skating Club was forced to cancel a territorial competition set for this weekend.
And the union has said it will also picket the town's curling club on Saturday.
There are tournaments scheduled over the next two weekends.
"We respect the town employees rights to have their issues addressed and their rights to strike if they feel that isn't happening," says Trudy Walsh of the Hay River Curling Association. "But the curling club facilities are leased from the town and run completely by club members and volunteers and it's disappointing that they seem to be using the kids programming as a bargaining tool"
The UNW also represents eight workers with the Fort Smith Housing Authority who went on strike at the beginning of the month.
The are asking for a raise and vacation travel allowances.
Yesterday they picketed the home of Kim Olsen, the manager of the housing authority.
Parsons says the union is using an online survey to figure out who to picket next.
"It's my understanding that Allan Heron, the board chair is in the lead by a wide margin of 83 percent," says Parsons. "So I expect that some time early next week or maybe this Friday, who knows? We may pay him a visit at home."
CBC contacted both Heron and Olsen for comments on the strike.
Both declined.
When asked why, Olsen said, "we're not going to play this out in the papers."
