Workers rights in the North are falling behind. That has to change.
Across the North, workers don’t have strong enough protections. The specifics are unique to each territory, but the common thread is the same — workers deserve rights and respect.
Northwest Territories
Right now, almost everyone is working short staffed. That means long wait times for services and burnout for workers. It sounds like an impossible problem, but workers have answers — we just need the government to listen. We’ve called for better protections and public sector wages that keep up, to make it easier to recruit and retain workers. These are solutions that make working conditions better and improve services for everyone.
Another place that the North is lagging behind is anti-scab legislation. Many other workers in Canada have the right to stand up for their rights through a strike without worrying that their jobs will be given away. But not in the North. We need the GNWT to create anti-scab legislation. That’s how we empower Northern workers to negotiate for what they need to deliver the services we all rely on.
Nunavut
Everyone deserves respect in their workplace. But that’s not our reality. So many of us have faced harassment, disrespect, and racism while doing our jobs. It’s demoralizing. It’s wrong. And it takes time and energy away from the work we want to be doing — serving our communities. That’s why we’re calling for more education to address racism and harassment in our workplaces.
Another place that the North is lagging behind is anti-scab legislation. Many other workers in Canada have the right to stand up for their rights through a strike without worrying that their jobs will be given away. But not in the North. We need the Nunavut Government to create anti-scab legislation. That’s how we empower Northern workers to negotiate for what they need to deliver the services we all rely on.
Yukon
Our jobs are supposed to come with security, benefits, and protections. But there’s a loophole, and the Yukon Government is taking advantage of it. Casual workers don’t get benefits or paid time off. They can be fired any time, and they’re not protected by the union. They’re only supposed to be hired for short-term work, but they’re being used for much more than that. It’s an abuse of the system, and it’s hurting workers and the Yukoners they serve. That’s why we’re calling for better protections for casual workers.
Another place that the North is lagging behind is anti-scab legislation. Many other workers in Canada have the right to stand up for their rights through a strike without worrying that their jobs will be given away. But not in the North. We need the Yukon Government to create anti-scab legislation. That’s how we empower Northern workers to negotiate for what they need to deliver the services we all rely on.
Sign up
Yes, I want to help make work fair for Northern workers. Keep me up to date about how I can help and what’s happening with the campaign.
I agree to receive marketing communications from PSAC North. Users may unsubscribe at any time.