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NLIS 9
March 29, 2001
(Works, Services and Transportation)

 

Transportation minister outlines services available in the event of labour action

Percy Barrett, Minister of Works, Services and Transportation, today outlined what transportation services will be available to the public in the event that labour action is taken by public sector unions on April 1, 2001.

"We are still hopeful a negotiated agreement can be reached between government and the unions, but we have to be prepared in the event labour action is taken," said Barrett.

Essential services agreements were signed by NAPE and the department for marine, road maintenance and air services.

The marine services essential agreement, signed by both parties, allows for one round trip per day on the six services affected. The affected services include: Bell Island, St. Brendan�s, Fogo Island/Change Islands, Long Island, Little Bay Islands and Ramea. The departure crossing from the vessel�s tie-up location will be approximately 9:00 a.m. The return crossing must be completed by 5:00 p.m., as per the essential services agreement, resulting in the following departure times:

Portugal Cove 4:30 p.m.
Burnside 4:00 p.m.
Farewell 4:00 p.m.
Pilley�s Island 4:45 p.m.
Shoal Arm 4:00 p.m.
Burgeo 3:30 p.m.

 "Government is willing to make an immediate return trip with the vessels, provided we are able to return to the mainland side for the 5:00 p.m. pick up," said Barrett.

The scheduled crossings, as under normal operating conditions, will be supplemented by medical emergency trips as required. "The effect on emergency services will be the same as under normal circumstances," said Barrett. "There is always the possibility the ferry can�t be available when a medical emergency occurs. When that happens, air services will be available. The same arrangement will be in place if there is a strike."

The number of passengers and vehicles carried on each crossing will be the maximum allowed under the respective vessel�s operating certificate in effect. Priority will be given to users traveling for medical appointments (including laboratory and x-ray), dental and physiotherapy appointments, bereavement; medical personnel, and police, fire and other emergency government service personnel required to use the service to respond to crisis situations.

The remaining passenger and vehicle space available on the vessel will be loaded first come first served as with regular service. The department recommends all individuals using the service, including commuters traveling for employment reasons, make alternate arrangements.

All users must recognize, not only the potential for a service interruption, but that the level of service will be restricted to the capacity and schedule agreed to by the union.

The intra-provincial ferry services provided by the private sector under contract with government will not be affected by this strike action.

For road maintenance, one employee will be present at each of the department�s 44 permanent depots. If there is labour action taken, the department will not be able to provide the level of service it has been all winter. The department will essentially be limited to providing emergency services, with priority given to areas where there is an emergency or areas where the need is greatest.

The same level of air ambulance services will be provided as normal.

In the event of a strike, call (709) 729-2300 for information on the above services.

Media contact: Lynn Evans, Communications, (709) 729-3015.

2001 03 29                 4:35 p.m.

 


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