Despite approving a new contract with Highland Valley Copper less than a year ago two special B.C. Labour Relations Board Officers have been brought in to work out a number of contract issues with local 7619 of the United Steelworkers Union.
NL News has obtained a copy of a letter to all employees from the union and company.
It says both parties have agreed to meet this month to try and resolve all outstanding contract issues if not its back to Vince Reddy and Corrine Bell to make the final binding decisions.
The correspondence says the priorities are to resolve the pension calculation and contracting out.
The Western Region Director Steve Hunt told us last month the parties need to improve their relationship noting when you have a disagreement over health and safety its indicative of a total breakdown between the parties.
Hunt says ” You know its the lack of trust. Its questioning the motives of one party over another and really its just a toxic environment right now for both parties I believe”