July 23, 1999
(Executive Council)

Intergovernmental Affairs Minister hopeful labour dispute will be settled

Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Walter Noel is encouraged by the tentative agreement reached Thursday between the Public Service Alliance of Canada at CFB Goose Bay and Serco. Employees will vote on the agreement on Sunday.

"I have been hopeful that a settlement would be reached, and have been working with our federal ministers of National Defence, Labour, and Intergovernmental Affairs to help resolve this dispute. We are pleased to see the federal government has contributed to reaching a resolution. Hopefully, operations will return to normal in the near future," Minister Noel stated.

"We really have to get back to marketing the base to NATO allies, working on enhancing the facility, and ensuring the Italian Air Force can begin finalizing preparations for their arrival next year," Noel added. "It's great that the union and Serco appear to have reached an agreement. It's good news for 5 Wing Goose Bay and for residents of Happy Valley-Goose Bay. I commend both parties for working hard to find a fair solution."

British and Dutch flights are scheduled to resume in mid-August, while the German Air Force is expected back in late September.

Media contact: Ron Fitzpatrick, Communications, Intergovernmental Affairs, (709) 729-2077.

1999 07 23                         12:55 p.m.