Fort Simpson, N.W.T., housing workers hit the picket line

Unionized housing workers in Fort Simpson, N.W.T., went on strike Tuesday morning.

The union issued a strike notice last week to the Fort Simpson Housing Authority. A union representative says a last-minute discussion with the employer on Friday was unsuccessful.

"They started the strike this morning and they're really committed to reaching a fair deal that will improve housing services for their community," Josee-Anne Spirito, Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) regional executive vice-president for the North region, said on Tuesday.

"They take a lot of pride in the work that they do and they really don't want to be on strike."

The union represents seven workers. Staff with the Fort Simpson Housing Authority serve clients from Fort Simpson as well as the communities of Jean Marie River, Nahanni Butte, Sambaa K'e and Wrigley. 

Spirito says the workers provide services to more than 100 housing units, and the strike could lead to service delays, but unit repairs and essential services will still happen.

The union said low wages have led to staffing shortages, leading to overworking and burnout among employees, as well as poor service for families who rely on the housing. 

Spirito said the housing authority isn't addressing outstanding concerns, so now workers are walking the picket line.

She said they will continue to urge the housing authority to return to the table and negotiate an agreement that will "satisfy both parties."

The union delivered a petition Sept. 20 to Nahendeh MLA Shane Thompson, who passed it on to the minister responsible for housing. Spirito says more than 200 Fort Simpson residents and supporters signed the petition.

Thompson said last week that he was optimistic there wouldn't be a strike.

"That's part of the negotiating process. You know there's a strike notice and then you know, at the last minute, maybe then a deal is made," he said.

CBC News reached out to the housing authority last week and a representative said they had no comment on the strike action. Another request for comment on Tuesday received no response by publication time.