Executive Council
May 28, 2010
Premier Williams Calls for Immediate Resolution of
Vale Inco Strike in Newfoundland and Labrador
The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador,
spoke with the Honourable Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario and
discussed the unfortunate situations as a result of labour disputes with
Vale Inco taking place in their respective province's during a
conference call on Wednesday. Ongoing strikes continue to impact workers
at mines in Voisey's Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador and Sudbury,
Ontario. During the telephone discussion, the Premiers discussed the
tremendous impacts these strikes have had on communities, the employees
and their families, and Premier Williams is strongly recommending Vale
Inco and the United Steel Workers' Union resolve their differences
immediately and put an end to these strikes.
"I am extremely concerned with the impact these strikes are having on
the women and men employed by Vale Inco and their families during these
frustrating labour disputes," said Premier Williams. "Both strikes have
gone on far too long, and the impacts are truly devastating and can be
felt throughout the communities involved. It is time for both parties to
reach a fair deal for those involved so that the hard-working employees
can finally return to work and resume their lives."
The Voisey's Bay strike in Newfoundland and Labrador began in August
2009, while the ongoing strike in Sudbury, Ontario began in July of
2009. There are more than 3000 employees affected in the Sudbury and
Port Colborne operations and an estimated 200 employees involved in the
Voisey's Bay dispute.
"Premier McGuinty and I have committed to keep in close contact and
to closely monitor the situation as it evolves," added Premier Williams.
"We want to see this resolved as quickly as possible, as it has gone on
for far too long already."
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has continued to monitor
the situation within the province. The Labour Relations Agency in
Newfoundland and Labrador has continually provided conciliatory services
to the parties involved.
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