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'The 15 employees have made history not only because of the length of the strike but also because of their display of courage in their struggle against injustice.' - Carol Furlong, NAPE president.
St. John's (13 Dec. 2010) - The long strike by 15 employees with the Burin-Marystown Community Training and Employment Board is over.
The employees, who have been on strike for more than a year, finally reached a tentative agreement with the provincial government.
The offer is now being reviewed by the workers, who are members of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE/NUPGE).
The dispute took on such a high profile that Finance Minister Tom Marshall announced it in the provincial house of assembly.
"The process of achieving this successful outcome took time, patience and commitment on the part of the parties as all negotiations do," he said.
"However, I want to emphasize that without that strong commitment and a sincere desire from the parties to work toward and find a fair and mutually acceptable agreement, a resolution could not have been
reached," Marshall said.
NAPE president Carol Furlong said she was happy for "the workers and their clients" that the strike is finally over.
"The workers have shown an extremely high level of fortitude and determination in their battle for equality," she said.
"The 15 employees have made history not only because of the length of the strike but also because of their display of courage in their struggle against injustice. The union and its members have met our objectives which were established at the beginning of this unfortunate dispute. We would like to thank the people of the Burin Peninsula for their unwavering support for the workers."
Furlong says the details of the agreement will not be released until the offer is reviewed and voted on by the workers.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE
More information:
• Hundreds demonstrate for striking Burin workers
• Negotiations break off in Burin-Marystown strike
• NAPE astounded at court case over striking workers