Minister pleased airport strike settled

Percy Barrett, Minister of Labour, said today he is pleased to see an end to the three-month-long strike at St. John�s International Airport.

"Government has long been concerned about the length of this strike and its impact on the province and the economy," said Minister Barrett. "I commend both sides for returning to the table and reaching a deal agreeable to both parties. It has been a long and difficult process but I am certain now that it is over, everyone is more than ready to get back to business."

Minister Barrett also commended Federal Minister of Labour Claudette Bradshaw for her prompt attention to the matter. Last week during a meeting, Minister Barrett impressed upon Minister Bradshaw the significance of the strike, the impact it was having on the local economy and the importance of a swift resolution to the dispute.

Following the meeting, Minister Bradshaw sent the Director General of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service to meet with representatives from the St. John�s Airport Authority and from the Public Service Alliance of Canada. After some discussion, both parties returned to the negotiating table and within days a settlement was reached in the dispute.

"I appreciate Ms. Bradshaw taking the time to hear the concerns of the province," said Minister Barrett. "She quickly recognized this matter was an urgent one and acted promptly. I have no doubt that her intervention played a role in the settlement of this dispute. We applaud the efforts of Ms. Bradshaw and her officials."

Minister Barrett said he is happy to see the situation has been resolved in a positive manner for all parties involved and is pleased to have played a role in the process.

Media contact: Janice Lockyer, Communications, (709) 729-1741

2003 06 06                                       11:30 a.m.