Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Apr 19/00) - The first session of collective bargaining between the Union of Northern Workers and the GNWT ended Friday.

Both parties have agreed to maintain a media blackout until the conclusion of the next bargaining session, which is scheduled to begin July 17.

A number of issues were settled during the first round.

There is to be a new Senior Union/Management Joint Consultation Committee to deal with issues during the term of the collective agreement.

Welding gloves have been added to the list of health and safety equipment provided for trades employees, and there are more options for pregnant employees whose working conditions may be detrimental to their health or that of their fetus.

There will be special leave where an employee is required by law to attend a proceeding under the Young Offenders Act concerning a dependent.

The reasons will be explained more clearly for union access to work sites and on employers provided meeting rooms for union meetings with members.

The union and the GNWT agreed to a provision for future additional holidays if proclaimed, and to convert an existing letter of understanding to an appendix of the collective agreement setting out working conditions for airport firefighters.

Both sides agreed to carry over two years worth of vacation credits where leave has been denied due to the employers' operational requirements.

The probationary period for employees appointed to a position with the same duties is to be eliminated.

Both sides are to deal with professional development for term instructors at Aurora College, and address professional development compensation, during the summer bargaining session.