Minister pleased with new collective agreement reached at North Atlantic Refining Limited

Labour Minister Anna Thistle is pleased to announce that a new four-year collective agreement has been reached between United Steelworkers of America Local 9316 and North Atlantic Refining Limited at Come By Chance.

This new agreement which expires December 31, 2004, was reached with the assistance of Wayne Fowler, a mediator from the Department of Labour.

Minister Thistle congratulates North Atlantic Refining Limited and the United Steelworkers of America on reaching this agreement, which will help to ensure labour stability at the refinery for the next four years.

"This is the kind of cooperative relationship that leads to an effective and ongoing harmonious labour relations environment in our province�s workplaces," said Minister Thistle.

"My department remains available at all times to support labour and business in this province through facilitation and mediation where the parties desire our assistance," she added.

Media contact: Kathy Dicks-Peyton, Communications, (709) 729-1741.

2001 05 11                                            11:15 a.m.