The workers were told by Public Works and Services Deputy Minister Ross Mrazek last week that an agreement has been reached which will see PPD decentralized to Baker.

The 16 staff members affected by the decision say they will not relocate.

Gabe Karlik joined PPD straight from high school as a data entry clerk and is now an analyst.

He said employees were told a combined 13 newly created and decentralized jobs would move to Baker.

"We were actually told that it's foolish to think that none of us are going to lose our jobs," said Karlik.

"But, our whole group has stated we're not going, so basically our jobs are gone."

The final decision on the move is expected to be announced by the new Qulliq Fuel Corp. during the next six months.

"If we receive official notification in July, we'll have three months to decide whether to move or not," said Karlik.

"They want the department up and operational in Baker by April 1, 2004."

Karlik said staff resistance to the move is not an empty show of solidarity.

He said he's convinced none of PPD's present employees will move to Baker.

"This is hard on everyone, especially married people in two-income families.

"How do you ask a spouse to quit their job and follow you to Baker Lake?"

Mrazek said the government of Nunavut has yet to conduct a cost analysis, feasibility study or impact report on the move.

He said that will "most likely" be done during the creation of a the transitional plan.

"What we have now is an agreement in principle for the decentralization of the PPD staff to Baker Lake in view of the creation of the Nunavut Fuel Corp.," said Mrazek.

"The first step is a change in legislation to change the existing Nunavut Power Corp. into the Qulliq Energy Corp., which is expected to be done before the end of March.

"Then we have a number of high positions to be staffed, such as the president and the chief financial officer.

"So, there's a lot to be done before work can even begin on the transition plan."