Mental health a focus as union, GNWT start contract talks

• Published in: Northern Journal
• Main Author: Gilbert, Craig
• Format: Newspaper Article
• Language: English
• Published: Fort Smith, Alta Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association 10.02.2016
• Subjects: Parsons, Todd

The UNW's opening proposal for modifications to the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) included definitions of workplace violence and harassment (including bullying) and abuse of authority. This includes "vexatious behaviour in the form of repeated and hostile or unwanted conduct, verbal comments, actions or gestures, which affect an employee's dignity or psychological or physical integrity." "It was a high priority established by our bargaining conference," UNW president Todd Parsons said. "What we saw from the locals was language around protection from violence in the workplace, sexual harassment and bullying is of paramount concern for many of our members today." "In a number of cases employees have been moved to the NWT by the GNWT, only to resign a short time after either returning to their original place of hire or accepting employment outside of the GNWT," the document reads. "Our overall goal is to maintain a sustainable public service," the proposal concludes. "To do this we need to achieve a balance between investing in employees and fiscal responsibility. We believe that this should be a shared goal between the Union and the GNWT."