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.

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