Energy workers' union presents counter-offer to Qulliq Energy
“Our offer seemed well received and we’re hopeful," says union president
The Nunavut Employees Union presented Qulliq Energy Corporation management with a counter-offer today, in an effort to end a strike by the territory's energy workers that has persisted for weeks.
The Qulliq Energy Corp. presented the union with an offer in writing Thursday morning.
"Our offer seemed well received and we're hopeful that they won't walk away from the table," said Bill Fennell, the president of the Nunavut Employees Union. "We think they're serious about getting a deal. Until we hear back from them we can't say with any certainty, but we're optimistic."
Qulliq Energy's 140 unionized workers, who perform mechanical, electrical and line maintenance work in communities across Nunavut, went on strike in mid-July after the union and corporation left the negotiating table over the issue of wages.
The union says it has not put a firm deadline on the offer, but is hopeful that the company will respond by the weekend.
Qulliq Energy Corporation workers have been without a contract since the end of 2013.