by Eileen Collins
Northern News Services

HAY RIVER (Aug 18/97) - The staff of Woodland Manor senior's home lost no time acting on their legal right to strike, walking off the job at 8 a.m. last Thursday.

In response, the Hay River Community Health Board locked the workers out and moved the 13 residents to alternative housing, some reportedly against their will.

"They offered zero per cent increase and the same collective agreement that had been in place and that's why we're out here on the picket line," said Richard Young, vice-president of Union of Northern Workers Local 21.

The union has been without a collective agreement since March of 1996. It is seeking wage parity with hospital workers, as well as changes to staffing policies.

Health board chairman Chris Robinson, however, said there isn't enough money available to meet the union's demand for raises of between $3 and $8 an hour.

They are also asking for a responsibility allowance of 75 cents an hour to cover afternoon and evening employees who administer medication and sometimes must make quick life-and-death decisions.

Instead, the board offered a $500 one-time bonus, which would be pro-rated for part-time staff but would not apply to casual workers.

"We could take a hard line and cut two positions which would free up more funds to pay the remaining workers. We don't want to do that," said Robinson.

He said the manor staff deserve raises, but with the budget provided, they do not have the finances. He pointed out the wages are in line with similar facilities in the NWT.

Robinson said he did ask Hay River town manager Charlie Scarborough, to have an informal off-the-record meeting with the union and make available $32,000 from last year's budget surplus to be divided as seen fit.

The union, however, denies the meeting ever occurred and did not respond to the offer. Says Young, "We're out here for as long as necessary."

The union claims the manor's residents support their strike. One resident even joined the picket line for two hours.