Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty and Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams discussed the labour disputes in both provinces between Vale Inco and the Steelworkers over the phone May 26.
The strikes in Sudbury and Port Colborne, Ont., involving about 3,000 people, began in July 2009. The Voisey's Bay strike began in August 2009, and involves about 200 people.
A press release put out by Williams' office May 28 said the premiers discussed the “tremendous” impacts these strikes have had on communities, employees and their families.
Williams is “strongly recommending” that the two sides “resolve their differences immediately” to put an end to the strikes.
McGuinty has not yet put out a statement about the discussions with Williams.
"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 the press release.
"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."
"Premier McGuinty and I have committed to keep in close contact and to closely monitor the situation as it evolves," added Williams. "We want to see this resolved as quickly as possible, as it has gone on for far too long already."
Laura Blondeau, a spokesperson for Sudbury MPP Rick Bartolucci, said in an e-mail May 28 that the MPP is continuing to “work diligently behind the scenes with both sides, encouraging them to settle their outstanding issues.”
She said McGuinty “has consistently expressed concern over the impact of the prolonged dispute on the economy of Greater Sudbury and particularly, on those workers directly impacted."