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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

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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

2010 12 23                                                     3:05 p.m.


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