Minister Responsible for Labour Responds to Conciliation Officer Report

The Honourable Elmer MacFadyen, Minister responsible for Labour today issued the following statement regarding the findings of a Conciliation Officer appointed by him on December 8, 2003 to assist in reaching a settlement between the University of Prince Edward Island and the Faculty Association.

"The Conciliation Officer's report of December 18, 2003, indicated that the parties were unable to reach an agreement on a number of outstanding issues. Based on the Conciliator's report, I informed both parties in a letter on December 22, 2003, that if both parties indicate that they would agree to the findings of a mediator appointed under Section 34 of the Labour Act, consideration would be given to the appointment of such a mediator. Both parties have advised my office that they are not prepared to agree to the appointment of a mediator with binding powers."

"I encourage both parties to resume negotiations in an effort to resolve the outstanding issues in the dispute. To assist the parties in reaching an agreement, I am continuing to offer the services of the Conciliation Officer," said Minister MacFadyen.