Qulliq Energy Corp workers vote to strike
Union says issues include wages, bereavement leave and contracting out of work
Workers at the Qulliq Energy Corporation have voted 92 per cent in favour of giving their union a strike mandate.
The earliest they could strike would be after the Easter long weekend in April.
The Nunavut Employees Union says talks between QEC and its workers broke down in December.
NEU President Bill Fennell says they want to get the government back to the negotiating table but says a strike could take place if an agreement isn't reached.
"The deputy minister of Finance doesn't believe these members will go on strike but I can guarantee you, they're motivated," he said.
The 140 unionized employees at QEC have been without a contract for more than a year. They provide mechanical, electrical and line maintenance for QEC facilities. QEC also has administrative offices in Baker Lake and Iqaluit.
The union says they're seeking bereavement leave that's on par with the Government of Nunavut and a wage increase. They also want the union to be consulted if employees are affected by work being contracted out.