Media Release
A tentative agreement has been achieved between the Government of Yukon’s unionized workers and the employer. Both the union and employer have accepted the unanimous, non-binding recommendations of the Conciliation Board’s Executive Panel following meetings held on the May long weekend.
The workers, represented by the Public Service Alliance of Canada and Yukon Employees’ Union, and the employer reached impasse January 12th. The Conciliation Board met for the first time in late April, but talks ended when the employer left the table on April 29th.
The union was poised to take a strike vote in a Yukon-wide series of meetings in early June. Those meetings will now offer members the opportunity to review the tentative deal, ask questions, and vote to ratify or reject. The union’s bargaining team has reviewed and accepted the recommendations of the panel and will be recommending that members accept the tentative agreement.
“These negotiations were difficult, and our members had a lot at stake. Our bargaining team was strong, and never lost sight of our members’ priorities. This tentative agreement is a result of member solidarity and determination” said YEU President Steve Geick.
PSAC North Regional Executive Vice President Lorraine Rousseau adds “This bargaining unit refused to settle for a bad contract, and their strength has resulted in an agreement to be proud of. It’s a valuable reminder that together, we are stronger, and that we only keep what we are willing to fight for.”