The MHA for Labrador West Graham Letto has spoken out on the current strike at the Iron Ore company of Canada which is now in its seventh week.
“This work stoppage is having a negative impact on every man woman and child in Labrador West,” Letto said.
Letto goes on to say he has his utmost respect for unionized and non-unionized workers at IOC, and the people in the service and supply sector, and he realizes the overwhelming mandate the members of the union to negotiate an acceptable and fair contract, he is committed to making every effort to get both sides back to the bargaining table.
Letto also raised the issue of replacement workers.
“While I have assurances in writing from IOC that there are no replacement workers on site, I am deeply disappointed and concerned about the continuous reports that this may not be entirely the case. Let me be perfectly clear! I do not condone those actions.”
IOC this week assured government they were not using replacement workers.
Letto says he has spoken on occasions to union President Ron Thomas, and IOC President Clayton Walker, in an effort to find a resolution to the present labor dispute.
The area MHA also says he has visited the picket lines, heard the workers concerns and has relayed them to the proper authorities.
Letto joins a list of people this week, including the Labrador West Chamber of Commerce, the NL Federation of Labour, and MHA Gerry Rogers who say the strike is having serious impacts on the people and the economy of Labrador West.
In his statement Letto concludes by saying he urges “both sides to resume negotiations in a timely manner that would result in a collective agreement that gets the membership back to work so we can do what we do best – producing a quality product that is the envy of the world iron ore markets.
The future of our community depends on it!”
