The Honourable Elmer MacFadyen, Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs and Minister responsible for Labour today called on the federal government to do what it can to bring the Aliant strike to a conclusion as soon as possible.
The Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union (CEP) falls under the Canada Labour Code which is federal jurisdiction.
“Last Friday, I spoke with federal Minister of Labour, the Honourable Joseph Fontana and expressed my concerns,” said Minister MacFadyen. “In particular, I stressed the length of the strike and its impact on the company, Aliant workers, customers and our Island economy. I urged Minister Fontana to make every effort to bring this dispute to a conclusion.”
Minister MacFadyen is also encouraging the four Island MPs to support the province in working toward a resolution to the Aliant strike. “I have sent a letter to each of the four Island Members of Parliament asking them to support the province in encouraging the federal government to facilitate a resolution to this ongoing labour dispute.”
Close to 280 Aliant workers have been on strike in Prince Edward Island since April 23, 2004. There are 4,300 Aliant workers on strike throughout Atlantic Canada.