APTN National News
Negotiations between Nishnawbe-Aski police and the federal government for a new contract have failed and the largest Indigenous police force is threatening to strike.
Talks broke down Wednesday and NAPS has filed notice with the Ontario Labour Relations Board to allow for strike or lock-out within the next couple of weeks.
NAPS said officer safety is one of the key issues remaining as officers typically work in remote First Nations in northern Ontario with no backup.
“Low staffing levels and outdated equipment put officers in danger, along with the communities they service,” said Jason Storkson, a police officer in the community and the union local president in a statement.
Pay is another issue, as the union said NAPS’ officers may be trained like other police officers in the country but fail to have the same type of pay.
NAPS polices 35 First Nations from Thunder Bay to Hudson’s Bay.
