Nunavut government and union to head back for second round
Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services
Iqaluit (Jan 29/01) - Three days of mediation will lead to another round of talks as the Nunavut government and its unionized workers try to reach a new contract.
According to Garry Pinto, director of labour relations for the government, the first round of mediation went well.
"When you're still at the bargaining table and you talk about going back, that's optimistic," said Pinto after talks mediated by Tom Hodges wrapped up on Jan. 24.
"I feel like we're moving ahead."
A second round of mediation will take place with April 4-9 in Iqaluit.
Hodges was brought in after talks between the two sides broke down.
Union boss Doug Workman was also happy with how talks are proceeding.
"There's been some progress," he said.
"There's been some accomplishments and both sides are working hard."
Workman also noted that he expected the essential services agreement to be completed this week. That agreement defines which employees can or cannot go on strike if such an event should take place.
The collective agreement expired almost one year ago.
