Government of Yukon
News archives
FOR RELEASE #09-218
September 17, 2009
Yukon Government and YTA Negotiations at an Impasse
WHITEHORSE – The Government of Yukon announced today that it will request the Chair of the Yukon Teachers Staff Relations Board to declare an impasse in its negotiations with the Yukon Teachers’ Association (YTA). The declaration of an impasse allows the collective bargaining process to continue with the assistance of outside parties (a conciliation board or an arbitration board).
“The government regrets it has been unable to encompass the several and varied demands of the YTA,” Public Service Commissioner Patricia Daws said. “Since it was clear at the bargaining table that the parties were not in the same settlement zone on monetary matters, the government does not believe that appointing a mediator would be of any assistance. It would slow the process down at a point when there is a need to achieve certainty in concluding the process.”
Under the Education Labour Relations Act, the Chair of the Yukon Teachers Staff Relations Board will investigate the matter. The YTA will be required to determine whether it wishes the dispute to proceed by way of non-binding conciliation or binding arbitration.
“The government welcomes the involvement of either process that would allow for outside expertise in assisting the parties to conclude a collective agreement,” Daws said.
The government is seeking at the earliest opportunity a renewed three-year collective agreement with the YTA that will improve the education system, maintain class contact time and be fiscally sustainable. The collective agreement expired on June 30, 2009.
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Contact:
Patricia N. Daws
Public Service Commissioner
Government of Yukon
867-667-5252