Mediator appointed to end Voisey's Bay strike

The provincial government of Newfoundland and Labrador has appointed an independent mediator to try to end a year-long strike at a nickel mine in Labrador.

Bill Wells was named Thursday to try to end the contract dispute between Brazilian mining giant Vale and its workers in Labrador.

On July 20, 2010, the most recent contract talks to reach the second collective agreement between Vale and its striking mine and mill employees, represented by the United Steelworkers at Voisey's Bay, broke off.

"Vale and the United Steelworkers are returning to the bargaining table on Sunday, September 19, 2010," said Susan Sullivan, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment and Minister Responsible for the Labour Relations Agency.

"We believe the assistance of Mr. Wells, a well respected labour lawyer, will be of great value to the process."

Under the Labour Relations Act, the minister has authority to appoint a mediator to end a labour dispute.

The strike at Vale's Voisey's Bay nickel mine began in August 2009.