February 16, 1996
(Employment and Labour Relations)

The Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, Thomas J. Murphy, announced today that he has decided to appoint a conciliation board to assist in contract negotiations involving the City of Corner Brook and Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 706 (Outside Workers), Local 768 (Inside Workers) and International Association of Firefighters, Local 1222.

The minister stated that the parties have been in negotiations with the assistance of department mediators over the last two weeks, however, to date, a resolution of all the outstanding issues has not been reached. The appointment of a conciliation board will provide a further opportunity for the parties to address the remaining outstanding issues and hopefully reach a peaceful settlement without having to resort to job action. Each party will now be asked to name a nominee to represent them on the conciliation board. The nominees appointed will then select an impartial person to act as chairperson of the board. The board has 14 days after the appointment of the chairperson to report its findings and recommendations to the minister.

1996 02 16 2:25 p.m. /md