City Still Prepared and Waiting to Negotiate

The City of Yellowknife would like to provide additional information on the bargaining negotiations with PSAC Local X0345, represented by the UNW (the Union).

On Tuesday, the Union told the City unless it moved away from its current offer of a 2% base wage increase in each year (totaling 4% more than what employees are currently making) it would not continue discussions. The City is surprised the Union would not work on creative options and is only focused on base wages.

The City was – and still is – prepared to continue negotiations towards a collective agreement. The City remains prepared to offer a total package that will put more money in the pockets of employees.

Unfortunately, the Union’s bargaining team left the table just before 11 a.m. on Tuesday before the City had the opportunity to table the offer. The City’s bargaining team remained in the bargaining location until after 6 p.m. on Tuesday after reiterating that the City was willing to resume negotiations at any time.

As of 12:01 a.m. on February 8, 2023, as per its strike notice, the Union began its strike. Subsequently the City had to begin its lockout. Facilities are closed to the public and some services have impacted levels. Please visit the City’s website for more information.

On January 30, 2023, the City made the Union aware it is available for the entirety of this week to bargain.