Natural Resources
Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
April 30, 2010Governments Urge Speedy Resolution to
Strike
After meeting this week to discuss the impact of the ongoing strike
at Voisey's Bay on employees and Labrador communities, the Government
and Newfoundland and Labrador and the Nunatsiavut Government today
encourage Vale Inco and the United Steel Workers' Union to resolve their
differences and put an end to this strike.
"We are equally concerned with the impact this strike is having on
people in Labrador, particularly along the North Coast," said the
Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources. "We are
encouraging both parties to end this polarization and conclude an
agreement that will return people to work."
"I have spoken with the men and women affected by the Voisey's Bay
strike several times and have heard first-hand the hardship they and
their families continue to endure and their frustration with a labour
dispute that has gone on for far too long," said the Honourable John
Hickey, Minister of Labrador Affairs. "This dispute can be settled, but
it will take both parties to agree to return to the table and negotiate
a fair deal for all concerned."
"We are extremely concerned about the social and economic impacts
this strike is having on our people and our communities," said
Nunatsiavut's First Minister Tony Andersen, who requested the meeting.
"I want to thank Minister Dunderdale and the provincial minister for
Labrador, John Hickey, for agreeing to meet with us to discuss this
important issue. It is our hope that both sides can somehow find a way
to get back to the table to put an end to this dispute as soon as
possible."
First Minister Andersen was unable to attend the meeting because of
poor weather conditions on Labrador's North Coast and was represented by
Nunatsiavut's Minister of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, Ben Ponniuk.
"We had an open and frank discussion with the provincial ministers
and we all agreed to keep lines of communications open and to monitor
the situation very closely," said Minister
Ponniuk. "We will continue to
work together and to encourage the union and the company to find some
common ground so that workers can get back to work."
The strike began in August 2009. Approximately 200 employees are
involved in the strike, which is having a devastating impact on workers
and their families, and the communities in which they live.
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Nunatsiavut
Government continue to monitor the situation. The Labour Relations
Agency continues to provide mediation services to the parties.
- 30 -
Media contacts: