Williams wants end to Vale Inco strikes

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams has called for an end to long-running strikes that have crippled large mines in two provinces.

About 3,000 Vale Inco workers have been off the job in Ontario since July. About 200 workers at the Voisey's Bay nickel mine in northern Labrador walked out in early August.

Williams said he is not taking sides in the dispute, but said he and Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty have shared their concerns about the effects the strikes are having.

"I am extremely concerned with the impact these strikes are having on the women and men employed by Vale Inco and their families during these frustrating labour disputes," Williams said in a statement.

"Both strikes have gone on far too long, and the impacts are truly devastating and can be felt throughout the communities involved. It is time for both parties to reach a fair deal for those involved so that the hard-working employees can finally return to work and resume their lives."

Vale Inco officials met with the United Steelworkers union in St. John's this week in an attempt to settle the Voisey's Bay strike. Vale Inco said it is handling the disputes separately.