Daniel MacIsaac
Northern News Services

NNSL (Apr 02/99) - The union representing striking English-language technicians has reached a tentative agreement with management and is recommending ratification.

Darrel Eros, secretary-treasurer of the union Local 85 in Yellowknife, said he spent much of Wednesday night and Thursday morning on conference calls with officials across the country.

"We knew early last night that they were close to a settlement, and they were hashing out deals until 5 a.m.," Eros said Thursday morning. "When the vice-presidents got involved, and Assistant Deputy Minister of Labour Warren Edmonston, we knew it looked positive."

Eros said all 19 striking technicians gathered at the picket trailer around 4:30 this morning to follow events.

"Once we got confirmation from our Web page that it wasn't some cruel CBC April Fool's joke intended to stop us from trying to prevent coverage of the Nunavut celebrations, (we realized it was really happening)," he said.

Eros described the settlement as "not perfect" and complained many of its disciplinary and restrictions clauses are based on the previous agreement, but said in terms of salary, technicians can expect a cumulative 11 per cent salary hike by July.

In Toronto, union negotiator Mike Sullivan announced the issue of job security has also been addressed and that a ratification vote will proceed immediately.

"Ratification votes will be scheduled today and tomorrow, and if the deal is ratified, most members will return to work on Tuesday, April 6," he announced. "In addition, if ratified, members will crew this Saturday's (NHL) hockey game in Calgary."