Jennifer McPhee
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (May 27/02) - Parks Canada and the Public Service Alliance of Canada reached a tentative agreement May 19 giving employees a 8.5 per cent salary increase over three years.

In March, 87 per cent of Parks Canada employees across Canada voted to strike. It never got that far. The union and employer returned to the bargaining table earlier this month.

Employees were upset that Parks Canada planned to roll back their benefits and change overtime pay rules.

Marco Dussault, secretary of the Nunavut local chapter of the union, which represents about 35 employees in the territory's three national parks, said he is waiting for details about the proposed agreement.

"We didn't get everything we wanted," said Kevin King vice-president of PSAC for the territories and Alberta.

He said the union was asking for a 10.5 increase over three years.

But King said the deal, which must still be ratified, retains the benefits important to Northern workers: isolated post allowance, housing, vacation travel.

King said he hadn't seen the entire agreement yet. According to a press release, PSAC will release more information once members are informed.

Employees are expected to vote on the deal in July.