Hay River, N.W.T., town workers in strike position

Town employees in Hay River, N.W.T., could go on strike as early as Feb. 6 after talks between the workers' union and the town broke down Tuesday.

The employees voted 90 per cent in favour of strike action if a deal couldn't be reached. Their collective agreement expired in December 2013.

"There's a possibility of a general strike which would see services around the recreation centre closing, limited service for maintenance, limited services for road and sewer services as well as stopping services possibly for town hall," said Todd Parsons, president of the Union of Northern Workers, which represents the town's employees.

The union says its members want their wage increases to be in line with increases in the cost of living. They're asking for a three-year deal, with raises of more than two per cent each year on both wages and living allowances.

Mayor Andrew Cassidy says the town is offering a one per cent increase each year. He says the entire council supports that offer.

"We do understand the potential consequences if the union chooses not to accept it," he said.

"However, we truly do hope this will not result in any work disruptions but that was the final offer coming from the town and that's the offer that we stand behind."

Cassidy would not say what reasons the town has for rejecting the terms the workers are asking for. 

He says the town is discussing how it would provide essential services if a strike were to happen.

Parsons says the union is staying positive that the town will resume negotiations.