Agreement between Dominion Diamond, Ekati union saves 150 jobs

Dominion Diamond Mines and the Union of Northern Workers have ratified an agreement that will save about 150 jobs at the Ekati diamond mine from being contracted out.

According to a joint news release from the union and Dominion, the agreement will also address "several ongoing concerns" at the Ekati mine.

• Dominion Diamond, workers' union, reach tentative agreement in Ekati dispute

• Union accuses Dominion Diamond of 'union-busting' in plan to lay off 150 workers

"Our preference in this situation was to be able to come to an agreement with the union," said Dominion chief executive officer Patrick Evans in the news release.

In May, the Union of Northern Workers sounded the alarm after Dominion informed union leaders the 150 positions could be contracted out in October, unless an agreement was reached. Dominion cited "excessive levels of absenteeism" in the dispute.

Grievances filed

Many of those positions are held by Indigenous northerners. Tlicho chiefs met with Ekati management and workers at the mine during the dispute.

The union also filed a grievance with the employer and an unfair labour practice complaint with the Canada Industrial Relations Labour Board.

• N.W.T. government not looking to 'impose' solution to Dominion dispute with union

• Jay pipe expansion at Ekati mine delayed, again

On June 26, the union announced it had reached a tentative agreement with the employer, and members of the bargaining unit at Ekati voted this week.

"This new agreement provides job security for our members at the Ekati mine for years to come," said Union of Northern workers president Todd Parsons in the statement.  

The new agreement takes effect immediately.