Dane Gibson
Northern News Services

NNSL (Sep 24/99) - Canadian Autoworkers Local 2304 plant chair Steve Petersen said Giant workers won't be on the job past Oct. 1.

The union's executive met with members of receiver PricewaterhouseCoopers on Wedensday. Layoff protocol has been set by seniority, meaning those who have been there the longest have a better chance of keeping the few jobs that remain.

Also, it was determined that vacation pay would be paid out by Sept. 28, as stated in the collective agreement.

"Over the last two years the workforce, both staff and union, have managed to turn the mine around and make it a viable operation, despite historically low prices," Petersen said.

"The general message we want to get out to the employees is that we want to go out with dignity and pride, and that we have the opportunity to go out holding our heads high."

Petersen said he thinks they'll need about 30 workers to do odd jobs such as bringing explosives up from underground, securing chemicals and parking the machinery.

Beyond that, he said they still have no idea how the transfer from the receivers to the successful bidder for the bankrupt property -- Miramar Mining Corp. -- is going to take place. The union executive is meeting with Miramar managers on Oct. 4 to discuss those details.

In the meantime, the GNWT currently has lawyers in a Toronto bankruptcy court arguing that the NWT Labour Standards Act must be adhered to.

According to the labour act, in a massive layoff situation the government is entitled to 12 weeks notice. If the government wins their argument in court, workers may get compensated for 12 weeks work.

"We're not going to fight that battle," Petersen said.

"We'll let the GNWT do that. It is a territorial law and it's up to them to make sure it's upheld."

Also at the Wednesday meeting was Canadian Labour Congress vice-president Dave Morris.

"We're just here to make sure the union gets what they're asking for," Morris said.

"They're not asking for the moon, just what's owed to them under the collective agreement and labour code."

He said his organization will continue to stand by CAW Local 2304 while the transition takes place.

"Even through the darkest moments of the mine's history, the union was there to represent the best interest of the workers and the community of Yellowknife as a whole," Morris said.

"This is huge loss to Yellowknife."