Kirsten Murphy
Northern News Services
Iqaluit (May 28/01) - The city of Iqaluit is saving $50,000 each week its locked-out workers walk the picket line.
The city locked its workers out April 17 after it claimed they failed to live up to an essential services agreement during a work-to-rule campaign.
City workers, members of Local 6 of the Nunavut Employees Union, have been without a contract for two years.
The savings came to light after the union claimed the money the city was spending to contract companies to plow roads, clean culverts and provide overnight security was eating into the city's finances.
Since April 17, the city has paid $40,000 to $50,000 for the contracted services, money that comes from the public works budget.
"The money we're saving will go to additional costs we may incur. Otherwise the money will go back into the budget," said Mayor John Matthews said.
It's a dispute that shows no sign of ending soon.
The city gave the union until today to respond to its "best and final offer." It includes a three per cent annual increase for some workers and an annual two per cent cost of living allowance for all members.
Union members rejected the offer through an informal show of hands, said Chris Freda, union negotiator.
"Our members do not want to vote on something that is not an improvement," he said. "The city is using intimidation tactics by giving ultimatums."
Clean-up ordered
On Friday, the city was ordered to clean up the growing pile of garbage near the dump.
The pile is on Crown land and the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs issued the "letter of direction" over environmental concerns.
