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On February 22, 2023, the City of Yellowknife (the City) extended an offer to PSAC Local X0345, as represented by the UNW (the Union), to enter binding arbitration in an effort to end the current strike.

The Canada Labour Code permits an employer and union to refer renewal of a collective agreement to binding arbitration. Binding arbitration consists of both parties having equal opportunity to share information and their position with a third-party arbitrator, who ultimately makes a decision. An arbitrator aims for a decision that reflects what both parties would have arrived at if they had bargained successfully. The decision is binding on both parties.

Together, the City and Union would choose an arbitrator for this process. This process has the ability to move swiftly, as there are many qualified professionals who can carry out these duties.

If this offer were accepted by the Union, it would mean employees return to work and City programs and services could resume. The UNW has recommended this approach in previous years when the union was unable to reach agreement with other employers.

Brief Overview of Bargaining Timeline:

  • Negotiations commenced between the City and the Union in May 2022;
  • Parties continued to negotiate in July 2022 and November 2022;
  • Conciliation took place in December 2022 and mediation has been underway since that time;
  • Despite best efforts, and with the assistance of a mediator, the parties have not been able to reach an agreement;
  • The City was the last party to make an offer and has yet to receive a counter-offer from the Union since talks broke down February 13, 2023, and the Union walked away.

The City recommends residents visit  www.yellowknife.ca for the most up to date information on impacted services.