Unionized QEC workers get 18% increase over 4 years

The Nunavut Employees Union and Qulliq Energy Corp., the territory’s electricity supplier, have ratified a new four-year collective agreement, which includes a wage increase of 18 per cent over four years, increased continuous service bonuses and expanded leave provisions.

“The new collective agreement shows what’s possible when we work together to improve workplaces and working conditions for employees who keep the lights on in Nunavut communities.” said Jason Rochon, Nunavut Employees Union president, in a news release issued Monday.

The agreement, ratified Aug. 6, includes a wage increase of 12 per cent, effective Jan. 1, 2025. Annual increases of two per cent follow in 2026, 2027 and 2028.

A provision in the contract that allows for Inuit cultural pursuit leave, which gives Inuit workers paid time off to engage in hunting, fishing, harvesting and other traditional activities, increased to three days from two.

“This agreement provides stability that will benefit our employees and our communities in the years ahead,” wrote Gwen Healey Akearok, minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corp., in the release.

Negotiations for a new contact began in September 2025. A tentative agreement was achieved in May, and the union held ratification meetings in late June in Cambridge Bay, Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, Baker Lake and online.