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Health officer steps in

Water, sewer service must continue during labour dispute

Kirsten Murphy
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Apr 23/01) - Health risks over water shortages due to a labour dispute have forced the Nunavut health officer to step in.

On Friday, Dr. Ann Roberts ordered the city to ensure that each household receives at least 800 litres of water a day after many homes and businesses went without water for up to five days last week.

It was the result of escalating job action by Iqaluit civic workers over the Easter long weekend that culminated in the city locking out unionized staff on April 17.

Approximately 500 homes -- 40 per cent of Iqaluit and Apex residences -- receive trucked water. City administrator Rick Butler said 30 complaints were registered with the city over the Easter weekend. Management staff delivered water to houses on Good Friday and Easter Monday.

"It came down to me not being able to cook a good meal because I have no clean dishes," said Fiona Hunt.

The wife and mother of two young children exhausted her water tank Easter Sunday. Five days passed before her tank was refilled.

Suzanne Laliberte, owner of Baffin Hair and Tanning Studio, was furious about the water shortage.

"I'm not mad at the town, I'm mad at the workers. We're they're hostages."

Contract talks between the city and its 85 municipal employees, represented by the Nunavut Employees Union, are deadlocked over retroactive pay and job classifications.

The water shortages came as union employees participated in a work-to-rule campaign.

The city locked workers out saying that by not keeping water tanks full, the union broke an essential services agreement.

When water shortages persisted, Roberts stepped in.

"Water for consumption, cooking, bathing, waste removal and maintenance of sanitary premises is essential for maintaining good health and prevention of communicable diseases," she wrote in her order.

"...Failure to provide these services creates a significant threat to the public's health."

Local 6 president Gordon McIntosh said the water shortfalls were amplified by the two-day stat holiday.

The lockout has also brought garbage pick-up to a halt. Roads are sporadically clogged with snow following last week's blizzard. Recreational activities are on hold while the pool and community hall remain closed.

The Frobisher Bay Kayaking Club has asked to be reimbursed $14,000 to cover the cost of cancelled flights, accommodation, class fees and rental equipment.

Talks between the town and union broke down last week. There are no scheduled meetings between the two parties.