Superboard bill faces more resistance
Union of Northern Workers threatens legal action, says legislation is 'unconstitutional'
Meagan Leonard
Northern News Services
Monday, April 27, 2015
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
The Union of Northern Workers has threatened to take legal action against the territorial government if a subsection of the new health authority legislation is not removed.
The bill in question would see the territory's eight regional health authorities amalgamated into one board comprised of representatives from each region.
During a public hearing held April 20, Union of Northern Workers (UNW) director of finance Patty Ducharme spoke on behalf of president Todd Parsons and said while they do not oppose the bill as a whole, they feel it is being rushed without proper consideration.
"The UNW does not object to the fundamental aims of Bill 44," Ducharme told the committee.
"However, we do object to the legislation's attempt to eliminate the collective bargaining gains of workers."
The line in question, sub-section 17.2 reads, "Nothing in this act precludes the minister from approving a contract with a private organization, agency or firm, to provide management services for or to manage a facility."
Ducharme emphasized, from the Union's perspective, the bill threatens the state of pensions, benefits and seniority entitlements such as wages, vacation time and shift selection of those working under independent health authorities like the Hay River Health and Social Services authority. It would also affect any grievances aired before the transfer.
She says they are asking the territorial government sign a contract with independent employees before they come under GNWT jurisdiction.
"We have received no invitation to negotiate such a contract and yet the legislation continues to race through the legislative process," she said.
"This is unacceptable and ... we believe the approach is unconstitutional."
If the opposing sections are not removed, the UNW will seek legal action, she said.
"If the bill is enacted without addressing these concerns, we will change the bill in court," she said.
The decision to amalgamate regional health authorities into a superboard based in Yellowknife and influenced by wellness councils has been met with mixed feelings since its announcement last year.
The Department of Health and Social Services said it was open to recommendations and negotiations.
