NEU wants changes to northern allowance

MICHAELA RODRIGUE

IQALUIT — The Nunavut Employees Union wants more changes to the northern allowance, despite the Nunavut government’s recent unilateral announcement of a 15-per-cent hike in northern allowances.

The NEU’s boss, Doug Workman, said the Nunavut government’s collective agreeement negotiating team have assured him that the northern allowance is still on the table and can still be altered during new contract discussions.

“What we wanted and what we stated during negotiations is we wanted the minister to shut up and let our two capable bargaining teams negotiate the collective agreement,” Workman said.

“We were told the minister’s comments will not prejudice our position regarding northern allowances.”

Two weeks ago, Nunavut Finance Minister Kelvin Ng announced an across-the-board 15-per-cent hike to Nunavut government workers’ northern allowances.

His announcement came in the middle of contract negotiations with both the NEU and the Federation of Nunavut Teachers. Ng said the increase could still be negotiated during bargaining, but he stressed that he had made a commitment to all government workers.

Workman condemned the announcement, which he said violated proper negotiating procedures. The union also sought legal advice about how to respond to the territorial government’s actions.

But two weeks later Workman said he’s been assured, that northern allowances can still be “altered” through collective bargaining.

“The negotiating team has told us, ‘(Ng) said this, but it’s not going to prejudice your position to negotiate,’ ” Workman said.

“What I mean by that is I don’t want it used against us in negotiations.”

Workman wouldn’t go so far as to say that the NEU wants the 15-per-cent hike scaled back in exchange for other benefits, such as vacation travel assistance. But he did say that 15 per cent would appear to be just a starting point.

“To me it looks like 15 per cent is for starters and that’s nice,” Workman said.

The union wants the government to adopt a new formula to use when doling out northern allowances.

The union and government will discuss a new formula during the next round of negotiations, scheduled for Feb. 14.

“We want a transparent and comprehensive process. If you ask me ‘how do they come up with northern allowance?’ I don’t know,” Workman said.

The union will also present its position on vacation travel assistance.