Question 81-13(7): Nwtpc Employees Union Status

In the Legislative Assembly on April 20th, 1999. See this topic in context.

Question 81-13(7): Nwtpc Employees Union Status
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 216

Seamus Henry Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister responsible for the Public Service Act, regarding the NWT Power Corporation employees' union representation. Mr. Speaker, it has dawned on me again that life has just one circle and I intend to demonstrate what I mean by those words.

Concerns were brought to my attention regarding the dissatisfaction of unionized employees of the NWT Power Corporation regarding their representation by the Union of Northern Workers. Originally when I received these concerns, I wrote to the Minister responsible for the NWT Power Corporation, which is Mr. Dent. He responded by indicating that the matter of representation of bargaining unit employees of the Government of the Northwest Territories would be best addressed by the Minister responsible for the Public Service Act, who was Mr. Todd at the time. I would have liked to address these concerns to Mr. Todd, but Mr. Todd is no longer in that position, so I have come full circle now and I would address the concerns back to Mr. Dent.

Could the Minister responsible for the Public Service Act indicate if it is possible for a group of unionized employees of the Government of the Northwest Territories, in particular, the NWT Power Corporation to have separate representation from the association other than the Union of Northern Workers? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 81-13(7): Nwtpc Employees Union Status
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 216

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

The Minister responsible for the Financial Management Board, Mr. Dent.

Return To Question 81-13(7): Nwtpc Employees Union Status
Question 81-13(7): Nwtpc Employees Union Status
Item 6: Oral Questions

April 19th, 1999

Page 216

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am advised that under the Public Service Act it would be necessary if the employees in the NWT Power Corporation bargaining unit did wish to have separate representation, would write to me proving unconditional support among the members for a new bargaining agent. We would then consider amendments to the NWT Public Service Act. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Return To Question 81-13(7): Nwtpc Employees Union Status
Question 81-13(7): Nwtpc Employees Union Status
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 216

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Henry.

Supplementary To Question 81-13(7): Nwtpc Employees Union Status
Question 81-13(7): Nwtpc Employees Union Status
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 216

Seamus Henry Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Dent, for that answer. Just a simple question, Mr. Speaker, is the Minister aware of any costs that would be involved by the Union of Northern Workers other than the time to write the letter, would there be any additional costs to perform this wish of the employees? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Supplementary To Question 81-13(7): Nwtpc Employees Union Status
Question 81-13(7): Nwtpc Employees Union Status
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 216

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Dent.

Further Return To Question 81-13(7): Nwtpc Employees Union Status
Question 81-13(7): Nwtpc Employees Union Status
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 216

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would be somewhat surprised if the UNW were to write the letter, because it would be on behalf of a group of employees asking to replace them. I am unsure if there would be any costs involved. However, in a previous answer, I indicated that the workers should show unconditional support for a change, when in fact, I meant unequivocal. There should be some clear method of demonstrating to me that the entire group of employees, or a significant majority of them, do favour a change. I do not know if there would be any costs associated with doing so. However, it may be necessary to demonstrate that it had been a free choice for everybody. I cannot think of any tremendous costs that would be involved in demonstrating such support. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Further Return To Question 81-13(7): Nwtpc Employees Union Status
Question 81-13(7): Nwtpc Employees Union Status
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 216

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Henry.

Supplementary To Question 81-13(7): Nwtpc Employees Union Status
Question 81-13(7): Nwtpc Employees Union Status
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 216

Seamus Henry Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, would the Minister accept a petition with a covering letter as sufficient grounds for investigating this further? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Supplementary To Question 81-13(7): Nwtpc Employees Union Status
Question 81-13(7): Nwtpc Employees Union Status
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 216

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Mr. Dent.

Further Return To Question 81-13(7): Nwtpc Employees Union Status
Question 81-13(7): Nwtpc Employees Union Status
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 216

Charles Dent

Charles Dent Yellowknife Frame Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would certainly consider that a clear indication of the signatories' support. However, before receiving such a petition, I will not make a commitment as to how I would respond. Basically, if I receive a formal request I would advise Members of the Legislature that we would consider amendments to the Public

Service Act. The issue would also have to come to the floor of this House for amendments to the act before it could be addressed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Further Return To Question 81-13(7): Nwtpc Employees Union Status
Question 81-13(7): Nwtpc Employees Union Status
Item 6: Oral Questions

Page 217

The Speaker Samuel Gargan

Oral questions. Mrs. Groenewegen.