On February 4th, 2021, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) reached a new collective agreement with the Union of Northern Workers (UNW). This agreement will cover approximately 4,000 unionized employees across the territory and will be in effect until March 31st, 2024. As a professional, I have taken it upon myself to break down the key points of this agreement and provide insight into its potential impact.
Wage Increases
One of the most significant changes in the new collective agreement is the wage increases that will be implemented over the three-year period. The first year will see a 1.4% increase, followed by a 1.8% increase in the second year and a 2.0% increase in the final year. This is in line with the current inflation rate and is a positive development for employees who have been working hard to maintain the quality of life in the NWT.
Changes to Vacation Leave
The new agreement also brings changes to the vacation leave policy for GNWT employees. Employees who have been with the government for less than ten years will now receive three weeks of vacation, while those with over ten years of service will receive a fourth week. This change is a welcome one for employees who may have felt undervalued in the past and will help to improve overall morale and job satisfaction.
Health and Wellness Benefits
Another change that is likely to have a positive impact on employees is the increase in health and wellness benefits. Under the new agreement, employees will have access to enhanced dental, vision, and extended health benefits, which will help to improve their overall health and wellbeing. This is a significant improvement over the previous agreement and will likely lead to increased employee satisfaction and loyalty.
Job Security
Finally, the new agreement includes provisions for job security that will help to protect employees in the event of layoffs or restructuring. The agreement outlines a process for identifying potential layoffs and provides measures to ensure that employees are treated fairly in the event that layoffs do occur. This is a positive development for employees who may have previously felt uncertain about their job security and will likely lead to increased job satisfaction and loyalty.
In conclusion, the new collective agreement between the GNWT and UNW is a positive development for employees across the territory. With wage increases, changes to vacation leave, enhanced health and wellness benefits, and job security provisions, employees are likely to feel valued and supported in their work. This is good news for both the GNWT and UNW, as it will lead to increased productivity and a more engaged and committed workforce.