Vale, union halt exploratory talks
Exploratory talks between the union and the mining company in the Voisey's Bay strike have broken off without resolution, opening the way for a provincial inquiry.
Bob Carter, a spokesman for nickel mining giant Vale, said the Brazilian-based company met with the United Steelworkers union and a mediator in St. John's on Friday.
However, Carter says that after talks that lasted until late at night the "discussions ended with no resolution to the impasse."
Carter and local union president Darren Cove also said no new talks are planned in the 15-month-long strike.
Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams issued a statement Friday saying the mine's owner, Vale Newfoundland and Labrador Ltd., and the union must reach a settlement.
Williams had said an industrial inquiry would look into the protracted dispute in Labrador unless a deal was reached this week.
Recommendations sought
The three-person inquiry cannot legislate an end to the dispute, but it can make recommendations to the province on whether labour legislation needs to be changed and comment on the positions of the company and the union.
Cove says that with the mine running at full production, partly due to use of non-union labour and contractors, the company has little reason to settle.
He said the union would welcome the inquiry.
"The only place to go from here is the inquiry and we welcome the outcome of that. And, hopefully, there will be something put in place that will try to end the strike," he said in an interview.
Cove said the workers will continue to survive on strike pay, but he noted there are tensions in communities where union members and replacement workers live nearby.
Carter said the company has tabled five settlement proposals that include wage increases, pension improvements and bonuses.
"We feel the proposals we've tabled are fair and they are reflective of our operations in Labrador," he said.
Carter said between 200 and 250 workers are operating the nickel and copper concentrate mine in Voisey's Bay.