NEWS RELEASE: [Newfoundland and Labrador] Provincial Government Releases Phase Two Report from Voisey’s Bay Industrial Inquiry Commission

Human Resources, Labour and Employment

Report of the Industrial Inquiry Commission – Report No.2

Report of the Industrial Inquiry Commission – Report No.1 

May 11, 2011

The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment and Minister Responsible for the Labour Relations Agency, released the second and final report of the Voisey’s Bay Industrial Inquiry Commission today.

“On behalf of the Provincial Government, I want to thank the commission members for their work during the course of this inquiry and for the advice they have provided,” said Minister King. “Over the coming weeks and months we will review the report and consult with stakeholders. Our government recognizes the seriousness of this matter and the impact this strike has had on Newfoundland and Labrador. The appointment of an industrial inquiry demonstrated not only our commitment to supporting a resolution to the Voisey’s Bay strike, but also our commitment to maintaining positive labour management relations in this province.”

The report addresses factors which led to the existing labour-management relations climate at Voisey’s Bay and options to improve them; local, provincial, national or international matters that may have contributed to the dispute; impacts of the dispute on other labour-management relationships; and the ramifications of this dispute.

The Provincial Government appointed the Industrial Inquiry Commission on October 22, 2010 with membership consisting of John F. Roil, QC, as Inquiry Chairperson, and V. Randell J. Earle, QC and Brian R. Gatien as inquiry members. The commission was asked to examine and provide recommendations regarding the labour dispute between Vale Newfoundland and Labrador Limited and the United Steelworkers Local 9508.

“The Provincial Government is pleased that the United Steelworkers and Vale were able to reach a negotiated settlement to their labour dispute in January, and we recognize there are lessons to be learned by all parties involved in this matter,” said Minister King. “The results of collective bargaining are, and must remain, the responsibility of the parties. Employers and unions must continue to take ownership of the decisions they make at the bargaining table. It is, however, the Provincial Government’s responsibility to provide the framework that governs how labour disputes are managed and to provide the supports needed so parties can resolve the disputes when they occur. We will consider the findings of this industrial inquiry as we pursue that goal.”

A copy of the final report 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 

2011 05 11             4:30 p.m.