Our Local x3040 members, who work at the shipyard in Hay River, Northwest Territories for Offshore Recruiting Services Inc. (ORSI) were unsettled by a recent announcement.

The 80 to 100 employees formerly worked for the Northern Transportation Company Ltd. (NTCL), which went bankrupt in 2016. The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) quickly took over the assets of NTCL and entered a contract with ORSI to do the work. They then stipulated that ORSI would hire the former NTCL workers and recognize their working conditions and their Union.

Unfortunately, inOctober, ORSI issued a mass layoff notice stating that the GNWT had clearly indicated that there was a “reasonable possibility” that another contractor would be hired for the next season.

UCTE was concerned that these members, experts in their field, would become unemployed. Our members have seen the loss of their jobs and pensions under NTCL, and now face a second possible job loss under ORSI.

However, the GNWT has done the right thing. In its request for proposals, the GNWT states that the successful contractor will work with PSAC to “provide operations and management personnel in support of the GNWT’s shore-based operations and shipyards”. It goes on to confirm that the contractor will respect the terms and conditions of employment in good faith with the Union.

The GNWT’s recognition of our members provides much-needed assurance and security. On behalf of our members, we thank you.