Members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC)/Yukon Employees Union (YEU) Local Y011 – representing more than 400 Yukon University workers – have cast ballots overwhelmingly in favour of a strike mandate in votes held this month.

With the parties engaged in third-party conciliation, the Employer’s latest offer failed to address outstanding concerns at the bargaining table, such as protections for precarious workers and fair wages for all members.

“This strong strike mandate reflects the seriousness of the issues facing our members and the need for meaningful progress at the bargaining table.  For many years, our members have lost ground to inflation. Members at YukonU deserve a deal that puts them on an equal footing with other public sector and education workers in the Yukon,” said Justin Lemphers, President of the Yukon Employees’ Union.  “Our members are committed to reaching a fair agreement. Strike is not anyone’s preferred option, but our members are prepared to take necessary job action if the Employer is unwilling to come to a fair agreement.”

Job action could begin as early as March 2, which could have an impact on the Arctic Winter Games; however, the Union has not issued a formal strike notice at this time. Workers remain hopeful that the University will come to the bargaining table with a mandate to secure a fair deal.

The previous three-year agreement between Union members and YukonU expired over 18 months ago.