Union members gather outside HQ over accountability, transparency

A group of NWT workers say they want more accountability and transparency from their union.

A little over a dozen people demonstrated outside the Yellowknife headquarters of the Union of Northern Workers, or UNW, during the noon hour on Thursday. Many held signs reading: “I care for my union.”

“We care for the future of our union,” Ben Israel told Cabin Radio. “We care about having an inclusive union, having a union that stands for solidarity.”

Israel described the gathering as “a demonstration of love” for the union and union movement.

He said attendees are pushing for positive change in the UNW including greater transparency, accountability, solidarity and inclusivity.

“I think our union is facing a bit of a crisis of confidence,” he said.

“We believe that positive change is possible when we work together with honesty and respect.”

The Union of Northern Workers, or UNW, represents thousands of territorial government employees as well as staff working for several northern municipalities, businesses and mines.

Basel Sleem, a union local president who attended Wednesday’s demonstration, said he wanted to show solidarity with fellow union members.

Over the past few weeks, Sleem said he has seen anonymous posts about the union online.

“Personally, I’m not for that. I want to send a message that we should not be afraid to voice our opinions, especially if it’s benefitting our union in the long-term,” he said.

Similar to Israel, Sleem said he would like to see more transparency and accountability around union governance.

“Ultimately, the union is about the members. The members are the ones who elect positions, the members are the ones who cause change,” he said.

“So members’ interests should be the number one priority. And when that’s jeopardized, then we need to reassess how things are done.”

Kayla, a union member who asked that her last name not be used, said she wants the UNW executive be more open and communicative with members and to let members’ voices be heard.

In April, the leaders of several union locals sent a letter to the UNW’s parent, the Public Service Alliance of Canada or PSAC, to request a forensic audit of UNW finances. The letter alleged a lack of financial transparency and said efforts to discuss concerns had been “blocked, censored or ignored” by the UNW executive.

PSAC has since said the UNW’s financial statements are in order and in compliance with governance and financial obligations.

Earlier this month, Jacques Roberge, who is currently appealing a suspension from the union, staged a one-man protest outside UNW headquarters. He called for inclusivity and questioned his suspension from the union. (Both Roberge and the union declined to answer questions regarding the reason for that suspension.)

PSAC North later issued a public letter suggesting Roberge was harassing members by protesting, which he denied.

Cabin Radio has approached the Union of Northern Workers for comment regarding Thursday’s demonstration.