November 5, 1999
(Justice)

Minister comments on resumption of illegal strike

Justice Minister Paul Dicks said this morning that he is disappointed the province's correctional officers have chosen to again withdraw their services and resume their illegal strike. "Last night, government was prepared to discuss the terms for further discussions," said Dicks. "When the union arrived they told government officials that the illegal strike would resume if the person who has been appointed to the eight week position in Goose Bay was not removed from the job immediately. Although this person has been labelled an outsider by a union official she is, in fact, a member of NAPE." The appointment to this position is within the terms of the Collective Agreement signed on July 9, 1999 between government and NAPE. "The union has always recognized and agreed it is necessary that government have the right to appoint someone to a position that is less than 13 weeks in duration."

"Under the Collective Agreement, there is a grievance procedure in place to deal with this matter," Dicks continued. "In fact, the union has filed a grievance and should let the process work. If the union ends the illegal strike, we are prepared to work with them to expedite the grievance procedure as much as possible and immediately implement any decision that is made as a result of this process."

Media contact: David Wells, Communications, (709) 729-6830.

1999 11 05 2:15 p.m.