Fort Simpson housing workers have voted in favor of ratifying a new collective agreement with the Fort Simpson Housing Authority, bringing an end to their strike that began on October 1.
The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) announced on Friday that the new three-year agreement includes a wage increase closely aligned with recent GNWT negotiations, a land acknowledgement, extended parental and civic duty leave, and a requirement for the employer to cover the cost of sick leave certifications.
“This is a huge win for these workers,” states Union of Northern Workers President Gayla Thunstrom in a news release. “A win for the workers is a win for community public housing. These members’ collective strength and perseverance has set the bar for other local housing authority bargaining across the NWT in the coming months.”
The strike involved six workers who serve about 100 houses in five communities, including Fort Simpson, Jean Marie River, Sambaa K’e, Nahanni Butte and Wrigley.
The workers are expected to return to work as early as Monday, November 25.
