Woodlanders land deal
Three-year deal includes more pay

Doug Ashbury
Northern News Services

NNSL (Jul 27/98) - The Union of Northern Workers have reached a three-year deal for members at Hay River's Woodland Manor.

UNW membership services director Scott Wiggs said the contract was the result of six days of negotiations.

Talks went smoothly compared to last year, he said.

In 1997, a collective agreement was signed after an 18-day strike.

The agreement, for 18 UNW members employed by the Hay River Community Health Board, signed in 1997, covered two years and expired March 30, 1998.

"Relations between the employer and the union have been steadily improving. And that's how we want it," Wiggs said.

"All we want is fair contracts and decent working conditions for our members. We aren't out there looking for conflict and strikes."

Settlement highlights include:

  • A reduced work week from 40 hours to 37.5 hours with no loss in pay.

  • An average 2.6 per cent wage increase in each year of the three-year contract.

  • Improved vacation leave and contract language.