Jennifer McPhee
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (July 19/02) - NorthwesTel and the union representing its striking workers resumed talks Wednesday in Whitehorse.

The 380 members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) went on strike May 27.

NorthwesTel's last offer was an average of 11 per cent over three years plus a team incentive plan that offers an annual payout based on profits.

Gabe Squirrel, a striking radio technician in Yellowknife, said the company is basing the increase on an average hourly wage of $21.90 -- not on salary.

But clerical workers and some others make less than $21.90 an hour.

The union also opposes the "team incentive plan" NorthwesTel is offering, saying last year's payout was at least $8,000 for managers, but much less -- $790 -- for union members.

Squirrel said the union is fighting for more than just wages. He said NorthwesTel has slashed the Northern living differential (NLD) for new hires in Yellowknife by half.

"If my son wants to work for NorthwesTel in 10 years, he'll be making half the NLD," said Squirrel.

NorthwesTel has also reduced or cut other benefits such as vacation travel, training and interest free loans, he said.

During earlier negotiations, when NorthwesTel wouldn't agree to 15 per cent over three years, the union tried to roll some of these benefits into an offer.

That's when NorthwesTel issued a press release saying the union keeps upping its demands, say union members.

Squirrel said Thursday talks were progressing toward a settlement.

On Tuesday, the Union of Northern Workers gave $7,500 towards the IBEW's hardship fund.

Many striking workers in Yellowknife are working second jobs to support themselves.

Squirrel isn't. He began saving money before the strike, because "I knew this was coming."

"I'm okay probably until the end of August," he said.

"We do want to go back to work, but with fair wages and benefits," said Squirrel.

Trish Graham, a field support clerk has worked for NorthwesTel for five years and makes $20.33 an hour.

She is also living on savings.

Anne Kennedy Grainger, a spokesperson for NorthwesTel declined to comment on negotiation details.

She wouldn't say if the company has changed its offer.

Back to the table

She did say almost the full bargaining team on both sides is present at the table in Whitehorse along with federal mediator Bill Lewis.

"Really, what we'd like to see is an outcome, an agreement," she said.

Meanwhile, she said the company is trying to meet basic customer needs.

"Some things aren't being dealt with," she said.

"But we've pretty much been able to keep up with most of it."