Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my questions are for the Finance Minister. Like Mr. Roland and Mr. Miltenberger shared in the House on Friday, I have heard from UNW employees in my riding. Some are saying put it to a democratic vote, but I am also receiving a mixed message because others want the issue of pay equity and collective bargaining separated. This is a difficult call due to the diversity of opinion in my riding but, for the record, I would like clarification from the Minister on a few items. Mr. Speaker, the Minister indicated in his statement in the House on Friday that the GNWT cannot sign an agreement that renews rates of pay knowing there is a pay equity problem. It would be irresponsible for the GNWT to sign a collective agreement that then gives the UNW the opportunity to sue the GNWT, et cetera. My question is, was the GNWT previously not willing to address pay equity within the collective bargaining process and that is why the union ultimately filed a grievance with the Human Rights Commission?
Jane Groenewegen on Question 531-13(5): Pay Equity Issue In The Collective Bargaining Process
In the Legislative Assembly on May 25th, 1998. See this statement in context.
Question 531-13(5): Pay Equity Issue In The Collective Bargaining Process
Item 6: Oral Questions
May 24th, 1998
Page 1381
See context to find out what was said next.