8 Fort Smith Housing Authority workers striking today
Union says members want wage increase, better vacation and retirement severance packages
Eight workers at the Fort Smith Housing Authority are planning to picket across from the authority at 8 a.m. this morning.
The Public Service Alliance of Canada and the Union of Northern Workers represent the employees, who include carpenters, plumbers, painters and other workers. They manage and maintain the 150 N.W.T.-owned housing units in Fort Smith.
The union says they've been trying to negotiate a new contract for six months. The Public Service Alliance says their negotiator is in the town and willing to go back to the bargaining table.
“The stalled negotiations and lack of a reasonable offer have left our members with no choice,” Todd Parsons, president of the Union of Northern Workers, said in a news release.
The union says they set up the picket line Sunday night. Tenants may still pay rent at the housing office.
A foreman will work on an emergency basis during the labour dispute. That position has been designated as essential.
Workers voted for strike action in December. The bargaining team couldn't reach a deal, despite getting help from a conciliator.
The union says the workers are asking for a three-year deal with 2.75 per cent wage increases in the first and second year and a 3.25 per cent increase in the third year. The union says that would be more in line with the cost of living.
Employees also want increases to the vacation allowance and retirement severance packages.