Yellowknife, N.W.T. - The Union of Northern Workers is preparing to take the next step when it comes to its impasse with the GNWT.

A series of strike vote meetings are set to begin at the Yellowknife Inn April 3rd for UNW members and they are just the first in a series scheduled around the territory.

UNW president Todd Parsons said this is one of the ways his membership can put some pressure on the GNWT to try and get a deal done.

"It's time now for our membership to decide whether or not they will support strike action in an effort to reach a collective agreement," he said.

 Parsons said the interest in these meetings has been bigger than anticipated and that's the reason for three days worth of sessions.

"We have a very large membership that are employed by the government of the Northwest Territories,” said Parsons. “We want to {give] every available opportunity to our members to come out and engage and participate in the strike process and make the determination whether or not strike action will be undertaken."

A vote will be held following each meeting and Parsons said a simple majority is all that's required to give the negotiating team a strike mandate.

Meanwhile, The GNWT is hoping that a mediator will be able to help both sides come to an agreement.

Colin Taylor, who has more than 30 years experience in mediation, has been called in to try and hammer out a new collective deal.

The deputy minister of human resources, Sheila Bassi-Kellett, said his name was put forth by the UNW and his experience in public sector mediation is seen as a positive.

"We're really optimistic that he is going to be able to facilitate some good progress between ourselves and the UNW on reaching an agreement," she said.

As of right now, there is no schedule on when Taylor will begin his work but Bassi-Kellett said they're trying to work dates out.

"What we are doing right now is we’re working together: ourselves, the UNW and with Mr. Taylor, to try to find a time that can work for everybody. Obviously there are some very busy schedules in here that we need to accommodate and we are looking to see what is going to work for everybody," she said.

As for the UNW's planned strike votes, Bassi-Kellett said it's all part of due process and it will be respected.

 CJCD Mix 100 News 

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