July 10, 1998
(Fisheries and Aquaculture)

Province seeking resolution in Rose Blanche dispute

Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister John Efford today expressed his concern regarding a dispute between the operators and workers of the Snow Capped Fisheries Ltd. fish plant at Rose Blanche, and indicated his intentions to help the parties resolve their differences in this dispute.

"Today I co-ordinated a meeting together with my colleague, MHA Bill Ramsay, to explore the issues behind the closure of the Rose Blanche plant," Mr. Efford said. "This meeting involved the managing director and other representatives of plant management, plant workers together with their representatives from the FFAW, and the mayor of Rose Blanche."

Mr. Efford went on to say that the apparent animosity and miscommunication between management and workers is a grave concern and could jeopardize the continued operations of the plant. "Because of this concern," Mr. Efford said, "I was speaking today to the company owners in Portugal, and will be following up with them on the matter in the near future. I believe that a viable operation is possible at Rose Blanche, and I am committed to doing whatever I can to ensure a positive outcome for both the community and the company."

Contact: Robin Bartlett, Communications, (709) 729-4441.

1998 07 10                 4:00 p.m.