Premier Danny Williams is giving both sides in the 14-month-old Voisey’s Bay strike two weeks to come up with an agreement.
If there’s no resolution by that deadline, the premier will create an industrial inquiry commission to settle the dispute between Vale and the United Steelworkers, Local 9508.
“This situation has gone unresolved for far too long, and the impact upon the communities involved is not acceptable,” said Williams in a statement.
“If the two sides do not resolve the situation and finalize an agreement within the next two weeks, I will ask the minister of human resources, labour and employment to appoint an industrial inquiry commission.”
Nine days of talks led by provincially appointed mediator Bill Wells broke off Sunday night with each side blaming the other for the impasse.
Williams thanked Wells for his efforts to broker a deal.
“However, despite some significant progress, it appears that both sides remain unwilling to put to an end to this protracted strike.
“From our government’s perspective, the time has come to take the next step; however, it is my hope that both sides will seriously consider the ramifications of an industrial inquiry and will instead choose to get back to the bargaining table and finally resolve this strike.”
Under the Labour Relations Act, the provincial government can refer disputes to such an inquiry in order to:
• Maintain or secure industrial peace and promote the settlement of disputes.
• Or, where in an industry or difference between employers and employees exists or is apprehended.
The inquiry will consist of one or more members appointed by Susan Sullivan, minister of human resources, labour and employment. It has the powers of a conciliation board under the Labour Relations Act.
The provincial government said about 12 industrial inquiries have been appointed since 1970.
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