I do not think it would be appropriate for me to do that at this time. I want to remind everybody that I am advised that if we sign a collective agreement knowing that there is now a pay equity problem, then we leave ourselves vulnerable to a suit by the UNW. We need to come to a resolution on the pay equity situation, along with the collective agreement, that is fair and equitable to our employees. I believe we have done that. I have already said it and there may be the odd glitch within the job evaluation system. When you deal with 5,000 employees and 5,000 re-evaluations of jobs there is going to be some growing pains in this issue. I do not think it is appropriate that we delay this. I think we need to proceed. We need to get the message across that we are trying, that this is a fair and reasonable offer. If we are going to go back to the bargaining table, I have no problem with that. If we are going to go to arbitration or mediator, I have no problem with that. Ultimately what I really want is the ability for the UNW/GNWT to come to an agreement. If they cannot, put it out to the membership to allow them to vote on it. Thank you.
John Todd on Further Return To Oral Question 492-13(5): Collective Bargaining Negotiations
In the Legislative Assembly on May 20th, 1998. See this statement in context.
Further Return To Question 492-13(5): Collective Bargaining Negotiations
Further Return To Oral Question 492-13(5): Collective Bargaining Negotiations
Item 6: Oral Questions
May 19th, 1998
Page 1310
John Todd Keewatin Central
See context to find out what was said next.