Thousands of dollars' worth of bonuses are also up for grabs
The government of Nunavut and the Nunavut Employees Union signed on Monday a new collective agreement that promises higher wages and greater benefits for employees.
In an announcement from the provincial government, the new agreement will grant employees the following perks:
- Five days of paid and five days of unpaid Family Abuse leave
- Two days of discretionary Special Leave days
- Two paid days for Inuit Cultural Pursuits annually
- Extended parental leave
In addition, employees will also receive a higher annual maximum for dental benefits from $1,200 to $2,000, as well as higher $2,000 maximum for access to psychologists or social workers.
Human Resources Minister Margaret Nakashuk said the new collective agreement demonstrates the value placed by the government to its employees.
"For over two years our public service quickly adapted to a pandemic while ensuring necessary services were provided to Nunavummiut," said Nakashuk in a statement.
"This agreement shows the Government of Nunavut is committed to its employees. The agreement will help ensure the public service is optimally structured, staffed and supported to deliver on our priorities under the Katujjiluta mandate."
Higher pay
In addition to expanded benefits, the new collective agreement will also grant employees a lump sum payment of $3,500. It will include indeterminate, term, and casual employees.
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Employees should also expect higher wages as the six-year agreement, which will take effect starting October 1, 2018, will provide a total salary increase of 9.31%, which is broken down per year.
- October 1, 2018 – zero per cent
- October 1, 2019 – one per cent
- October 1, 2020 – one and a half per cent
- October 1, 2021 – one and a half per cent
- October 1, 2022 – one and a half per cent
- October 1, 2023 – three and a half per cent
According to the government, employees who rendered services during the term of the agreement will receive retroactive payment on their hours worked.
The NEU said on a Facebook post said eligible members can expect their lumps sum payments this week, while their retro payments will come in the fall.
"Wage increases that were negotiated as part of this CA will be seen in September," the union shared on Facebook.
Jason Rochon, president of the NEU, said in a statement that they will ensure the fair implementation of the new collective agreement.
"The NEU is looking forward to working with the GN to make sure the new collective agreement is being implemented in a fair, reasonable and equitable fashion," he said.
The NEU represents more than 4,000 employees, including social workers, health care professionals and paraprofessionals, corrections officers, wildlife officers, technicians, and support staff.