Polar Ice Expeditions refuses to cross Qulliq Energy picket line
'I don't think as a contractor… we should have the right to cross their picket line,' says Gary Guy
A company contracted to complete line distribution work in Grise Fiord, Nunavut, has pulled out to avoid crossing the picket lines of striking employees with the Qulliq Energy Corporation.
"I don't think as a contractor… we should have the right to cross their picket line,' says Gary Guy, owner of Polar Ice Expeditions.
The company began work on the Grise Fiord project last summer. The last phase was set to begin this month.
"I think the problem is that if the contractors do go in they could be doing some of the maintenance work and that wouldn't be right," Guy said.
In an email QEC management stated, "Contracts awarded by QEC prior to the strike have been suspended by the corporation, this was in order to respect the essential service agreement signed by both parties."
Members of the Nunavut Employees Union voted to strike in May, and hit the streets on July 16.
The 140 energy workers perform mechanical, electrical and line maintenance work in communities across Nunavut.
Clarifications
- Since this story was first published, QEC has informed the CBC, by email, that "contracts awarded by QEC prior to the strike have been suspended by the corporation. This was in order to respect the essential service agreement signed by both parties." The email goes on to read that Polar Ice Expeditions "was advised that their work was to be suspended" via email prior to the strike.Jul 24, 2015 11:17 AM CT