News release

January 4 , 2006

NISHNAWBE-ASKI CIVILIAN STAFF RATIFY FIRST CONTRACT

Thunderbay - The Civilian Employees of the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Services Board have ratified their first Collective Agreement after a successful round of bargaining. The twenty employees voted to join the Public Service Alliance of Canada in July of this year and were looking for improved working conditions and wages.

Highlights of the contract include: significant wage adjustments, a pension plan, and commitments to work to improve health and safety, and job classification. The agreement expires March 31, 2007.

"We are very excited at the PSAC to have another group of dedicated members who work with, and for, First nations Communities", states Gerry Halabecki PSAC Regional Executive Vice-President for Ontario.

Nishnawbe-Aski Police Services Civilian Staff work in Cochrane, Sioux Lookout, Sandy Lake detachment offices, and at the headquarters in Thunder Bay. They provide support for the police services in 35 First Nations Communities in Northern Ontario.

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For further information:
Judith Monteith-Farrell
Regional Representative
Public Service Alliance of Canada
807-345-8442 or 807-628-3682