Human Resources, Labour and Employment
December 23, 2010
Provincial Government Receives Phase One Report from
Voisey�s Bay Industrial Inquiry Commission
Today, the Honourable Joan Burke, Acting
Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment and Minister
Responsible for the Labour Relations Agency, received the first
report pertaining to the ongoing strike between the United
Steelworkers Local 9508 and Vale Newfoundland and Labrador
Limited.
In accordance with section 140 of the
Labour Relations Act, the Provincial Government will provide
a copy of the report to each of the parties involved in the
labour dispute. The report will be released publicly on January
7, 2011, allowing sufficient time for the parties to review its
content and hold further discussions.
"I am hopeful that this report, which includes
a proposed terms of settlement, will provide both parties with
solid guidance and help them reach an agreement as expeditiously
as possible," said Minister Burke. "Having received the first
report, the next period of time is critical for parties to reach
a collective agreement. Therefore, the Provincial Government
will not be commenting on the contents of the report and we have
respectfully suggested that the commission, the United
Steelworkers Local 9508 and Vale Newfoundland and Labrador
Limited, observe a media blackout."
On December 9, 2010, Minister Burke announced
that the Provincial Government approved of the commission�s
request to complete its Terms of Reference under a two-phased
approach. The first report, dealing with issues one and six of
the Terms of Reference, was received today (Thursday, December
23), while the second report, dealing with the remaining
components of the Terms of Reference, is to be submitted by no
later than February 25, 2011.
The Provincial Government appointed an
Industrial Inquiry Commission effective Friday, October 22,
consisting of John F. Roil, Q.C., as Inquiry Chairperson, and V.
Randell J. Earle, Q.C. and Brian R. Gatien as inquiry members.
The commission will examine and provide recommendations
regarding the ongoing strike between Vale Newfoundland and
Labrador Limited and the United Steelworkers Local 9508. A copy
of the commission�s Terms of Reference can be found at:
www.gov.nl.ca/LRA/voisey_bay.html