Support among the eastern membership for a new union was "overwhelming," PSAC executive vice-president, Northern region, Jean Francois Des Lauriers said.

"Traditionally, the labor movement has recognized the right of peoples to self-determination," he said.

"We are proud that the members have chosen to take their future in their own hands and we are excited with the prospects of having a Nunavut component in the PSAC."

"Just as people in Nunavut have hopes that an independent government will provide them with long-run benefits, our members believe an independent union under their direct control is what they need," he said.

UNW Baffin regional vice-president Doug Workman said: "This is part of the evolution of creating Nunavut. This is a very friendly split."

Workman, based in Iqaluit, estimates there are about 1,600 UNW members working for the GNWT, municipalities and housing authorities in Nunavut.

That figure climbs to about 1,800 during peak employment periods.

"There will be a splitting of some of the UNW assets," he said.

"We're not starting from scratch."

On a potential dues hike, Workman is confident a new eastern union can service its members without raising dues.

"If dues go up it will be because union membership voted (for an increase)."

He also said an eastern union will have a more concentrated focus on eastern concerns like costs, isolation and housing.

"We hope to develop our own structure to support Nunavut employees."

Workman's position with the UNW is a full-time job. Previously, he was an adult educator with the Baffin Correctional Centre.

A new eastern union executive will be elected at a founding convention in October. Members will also need a new union name and a new logo.

The new president will sit on PSAC's national board of directors. Prior to October, two committees of Nunavut members will be formed to devise interim budget and to set draft bylaws.

Des Lauriers toured Nunavut last year with UNW president Jackie Simpson.

PSAC and the UNW will co-operate on a phased-in handover of responsibilities and Des Lauriers expects services will continue uninterrupted during the transition.

The referendum process started at the UNW triennial convention held in Hay River in fall 1996.

A resolution calling for a separate component within PSAC for Nunavut members was passed with strong support.

PSAC then decided it should poll Nunavut members.

The referendum took almost two months. Ballots in three languages were mailed in December.

Deadline for returning the ballots was January 31, 1998.