November 16, 1998
(Environment and Labour)

The following statement was issued today by Oliver Langdon, Minister of Environment and Labour. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

Tentative Agreement Reached in Abitibi - Consolidated Labour Dispute

I rise today to congratulate Abitibi Consolidated Inc and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada on reaching a tentative agreement, subject to ratification, that will end the labour dispute and the strike that has been on-going in the province over the last few months.

It has been a very difficult time for many people. The strike has had obvious impacts on workers and their families and it has been a costly one for the company with impacts on the overall provincial economy as well. Not only have those directly employed in the industry been impacted, but whole communities have felt the effects of this strike.

This has been a very complex issue. The strike involved 10 of the employer's mills throughout eastern Canada, including two mills here in this province. The company and the union re-negotiated approximately 20 or more individual collective agreements. At any given time, there were as many as 80 people at the bargaining table. In addition, conciliators from the federal government and the provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec and Ontario were on hand throughout the negotiations to assist where they could.

I want to acknowledge Mr. Wayne Fowler, senior conciliator with my department, who has been working with the parties throughout the process. Mr. Fowler spent approximately six weeks away from his family while helping to resolve this issue. His efforts and the sacrifices made by his family are appreciated by me and by those in the department who work with him.

It is my understanding that both the company and the union are recommending acceptance of the tentative agreement. I would now encourage the parties to put this dispute behind them and work cooperatively towards a progressive and prosperous future.

1998 11 16                4:30 p.m.