Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (Oct 28/05) - Ferry workers in Fort Simpson are now government employees and members of the Union of Northern Workers.

By signing on the dotted line, the six mariners returned to work and ferry service resumed, Tuesday evening after a five-day shutdown.

The workers couldn't have been happier as they took their positions on the ship once again.

"Everybody's in a real good mood," strike captain Shaun Cli said. "We ultimately got what we wanted."

The government offered the ferry crew improved wages and benefits, a raise every two years and job security, said Cli.

Neither the union nor the government disclosed the exact terms.

The GNWT terminated its agreement with former ferry contractor Rowe's Construction with one year remaining on the pact.

Owen Rowe, who runs Rowe's Construction in Fort Simpson, said the GNWT is completely liable for the entire situation.

"If anybody's going to tell me that this wasn't pre-planned, then that's up to them, but they (the GNWT) were not forthright in their dealings," Rowe said.

"They used all the information that they got basically for their benefit... what we needed was some assurances from the government and they steadfastly said no every single, solitary time."

Jack Rowe, who oversees Rowe's Construction operations in Hay River, was more conciliatory.

He said he wouldn't discuss details in the press, but he didn't think his company's contractual spat with the GNWT would wind up in court.

"We do a lot of work with the government of the Northwest Territories. They're a good client of ours," Jack Rowe said.

"We're trying to resolve the matter and get on with life."

Ferry workers in Fort Providence unionized earlier this month. Rowe's Construction still holds that contract.

Owen Rowe said his company will proceed with collective bargaining.

"We'll supply the service as long as we can, as we did here and as we were told to do - with a gun to our head," said Rowe.

"That's the problem when you sign a contract and a year and a half into the contract the terms change. That's no different than what happened in the NHL."

Bob Kelly, manager of public affairs with the department of Transportation, said it would be premature discuss whether or not the Liard River ferry situation will set a precedent for the remainder of the NWT's ferries.

"Each is a separate process and we'll see how things unfold in the Fort Providence service," Kelly said.

The Liard River ferry will operate during regular hours, 8 a.m.-midnight, until ice or low water forces it to cease, Kelly added.