From August 8-10, 2011 Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Employees Union met for their 5th Round of Negotiations for the GN- NEU Collective Agreement. Both negotiating teams agreed to new contract language for Group 2 (Correctional Workers) and a few minor administrative alterations. By the end of negotiations the Chief Negotiator for GN stated that there seems to be no movements on various issues as a result he will advise Minister Shewchuk to respond to NEU's April 8th, 2011 request for mediation.

On August 16th NEU received that reply from the Minister. The Minister agreed to one of the Union's proposed candidates as mediator. The mediator will be Mr. Vince Ready. Both parties agreed that the GN will request for dates for mediation to as soon as possible.

In the meantime, NEU and PSAC will be working together to start a Strike Mandate vote from the membership which if successful will give the Union a strong position when we meet with the GN negotiating team in mediation.

As well, this week, NEU and GN will be meeting to continue to negotiate the Essential Services Agreement.