Labrador dust study delayed

A health study on the impact of silica dust in western Labrador is being pushed back, amid union concerns about a possible conflict of interest.

The Newfoundland and Labrador government had issued a call for tenders for the study, with the hope to have the work started by the end of March.

But when managers from the iron ore mines in Labrador City and Wabush met with union leaders and government officials this week, they learned the United Steelworkers union was not happy with the company selected to do the work.

"We had problems with the provider that the government had selected," said staff representative Tom Harris.

"We have some problems with them in regards to a possible conflict of interest cause they provided [employee assistance program] services to Wabush Mines."

Harris said the medical audit would be delayed by at least two to three months.