Human Resources, Labour and Employment
December 9, 2010Provincial Government
Provides Update on
Voisey�s Bay Industrial Inquiry Commission
The Honourable Joan Burke, Acting Minister of Human
Resources, Labour and Employment and Minister Responsible for
the Labour Relations Agency, provided an update today on
progress being made by the Voisey�s Bay Industrial Inquiry
Commission.
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.
"The commission has brought focus to the parties, consulted
with impacted stakeholders, such as those in the aboriginal
communities, and investigated possible avenues to bring
resolution to this dispute," said Minister Burke. "The inquiry
has made progress, but Mr. Roil has indicated the commission
requires more time to complete its report."
On November 30, Mr. Roil requested an extension to the
December 23 deadline for the submission of a report to the
Provincial Government. Mr. Roil has written requesting approval
for the commission to use a two-phase approach to reporting on
issues contained within the Terms of Reference, listed in the
following backgrounder.
"While government remains deeply concerned regarding the
overall duration of this strike, the commission�s proposed
approach to deal with its Terms of Reference in two phases is
acceptable," said Minister Burke. "Under this revised approach,
I will expect receipt of the phase one report pertaining to
issues one and six of the Terms of Reference by no later than
December 23, and the phase two report on items two through five,
and seven by no later than February 25, 2011."
Minister Burke encouraged the commission to view this
extension as the option of last resort and endeavour to complete
their deliberations in advance of the revised schedule.
"It is important that all aspects of the Industrial Inquiry
Commission�s mandate are fulfilled effectively and in a timely
manner," said Minister Burke. "Appointment of an industrial
inquiry is a rare and significant move on government�s part and
the work of this commission will provide advice on options to
address this dispute. It is very important that we receive a
true picture of how this strike has, and continues to, affect
our province."
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Media contact:
Bradley Power
Director of Communications
Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment
709-729-0753, 699-5707
bradleypower@gov.nl.ca
BACKGROUNDER
Terms of Reference
The Industrial Inquiry Commission will examine and provide
recommendations that will address the following industrial
matters:
- The positions of the parties in relation to the
outstanding collective bargaining issues;
- The factors which have led to the existing
labour-management relations climate at the Voisey�s Bay
project site in Labrador and options to improve these
relations;
- The identification of local, provincial, national or
international matters that may be contributing factors
in this dispute;
- A discussion of any impacts this dispute may be
having on other labour-management relationships;
- A discussion of the ramifications of this dispute,
and its costs to the Province and the parties involved;
- The options to resolve this dispute, including
proposed terms of settlement, should the parties fail to
conclude a collective agreement before the filing of the
Commission�s report; and,
- Other matters the Commission may deem appropriate.
2010 12 09 4:05 p.m.
