Jorge Barrera
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (July 24/02) - The eight-week long NorthwesTel strike ended Sunday after its union ratified an agreement that gives members a 12-per-cent raise and bonuses.

In a hastily organized vote, 74 per cent of the union accepted a collective agreement struck with the company last Friday.

"I am satisfied with the results," said Dave Moran, technician and chair of the Yellowknife unit of the Brotherhood of International Electrical Workers, Local 1574.

The deal calls for a 12-per-cent raise over three years along with an automatic 1.5 per cent bonus this year and 1.5 per cent bonuses the second and third year contingent on company targets.

The Yellowknife unit also received a $600 raise on their Northern living allowance to $5,400.

The agreement is retroactive to Jan. 1 of this year. Workers will return to work today.

"We are happy we have reached a settlement," said Anne Kennedy Grainger, spokesperson for NorthwesTel.

The strike had very little impact on the average customer, said Grainger.

"Most customers picked up their phones and had dial tones," said Grainger. "For most customers that is what they need and expect for service."

Grainger said the lengthy strike affected the company financially and stretched their resources.

Extra expenses

"At times expenses were over and above salaries," said Grainger. "We are not looking at this period in any cost-saving manner."

Grainger said some higher costs came from moving staff around to plug holes.

Cary Gryba, spokesperson for the IBEW, said the new agreement is a stepping stone for better deals.

"It's something we can build on," said Gryba.

"It is an opportunity to set the stage for the future and correct some of the things that exist now."

Gryba said some in the membership wanted more.

"There is a group of people that were prepared to continue the strike for a higher wage," said Gryba."You don't get everything you want and they didn't get everything they wanted."

No strike fund

Grainger said the company received resignations from several workers during the strike but wouldn't give an exact number.

Moran said the strike was financially and psychologically trying for himself and many co-workers.

The 380 member union had no strike fund and relied on the goodwill of other unions across the country during the strike.

"I don't know if we could ever say it was worth it," said Moran.

"I'm just happy in the end it was settled."

NorthwesTel provides telephone service to 110,000 customers in 96 communities across almost four million square kilometres, from Grise Fiord, Nunavut, to Fort Nelson, B.C.