Why the Public Service Act must change
The Public Service Act was not built for the realities northern workers face today. It reflects assumptions shaped by southern systems rather than the conditions of work in the North. That gap creates real consequences for workers across the territories.
Casualization continues to rise, leaving more workers without stability or long term protections. Term workers often carry insecurity that permanent workers do not. In small and tightly connected communities, reporting misconduct or unsafe conditions can come with real risks when protections are weak or unclear.
At the same time, Indigenous worker rights are not fully aligned with UNDRIP, despite the importance of ensuring that legislation reflects those rights in a meaningful and enforceable way. Northern workers should not be expected to operate within a framework that does not recognize their reality.
What this foundation commits to
This foundation is about legislative change that reflects real working conditions in the North. It is a commitment to move beyond general statements and into structured advocacy that can influence policy at the territorial and national level.
- End the casualization of northern public service work.
- Recognize northern specific occupational realities in legislation.
- Strengthen whistleblower protections for workers in small communities.
- Align Indigenous worker provisions with UNDRIP.
This includes the development of a formal NTFL position paper in year one, which will be submitted to PSAC National and relevant federal bodies to ensure this issue is advanced through the appropriate channels.
What this means in practice
Reforming the Public Service Act means addressing structural issues directly. It means recognizing that precarious employment should not be normalized and that workers deserve stability, protection, and clear rights regardless of their employment status.
It also means acknowledging the realities of northern communities, where professional and personal networks are closely connected. In these environments, strong whistleblower protections are essential to ensure workers can raise concerns without fear of retaliation.
For Indigenous workers, this work includes aligning legislation with UNDRIP in a way that reflects rights not just in principle but in practice. This is not an abstract commitment. It is a necessary step toward a more equitable and representative labour framework.
What success looks like
Success means a Public Service Act that reflects northern realities instead of forcing workers into outdated frameworks. It means stronger protections for term and casual workers, safer conditions for those who speak up, and legislation that better aligns with Indigenous rights.
It also means establishing the Northern Territories Federation of Labour as a credible and active voice in legislative reform, capable of influencing national conversations and ensuring northern workers are no longer overlooked.
How it connects to the campaign
This foundation reflects the broader direction of Prerna Krishan’s campaign. It is grounded in real work, focused on practical outcomes, and committed to using the federation’s authority to create meaningful change.
The campaign is built on the understanding that workers should not have to adapt endlessly to systems that do not reflect their reality. The system must change as well. Reforming the Public Service Act is one step toward building a federation that leads with purpose and delivers results.