Representatives of the United Steelworkers Local 6500 and Vale Inco will meet this weekend with a mediator for exploratory talks to explore potential ways forward in the collective bargaining impasse between the parties.
The exploratory talks were scheduled following a series of discussions between the lead negotiators of the two parties – Wayne Fraser, United Steelworkers District 6 director, and Vale Inco negotiator Harvey Beresford.
During their discussions, Fraser and Beresford decided to jointly request the assistance of veteran mediator Kevin Burkett, stated a press release from the Steelworkers.
Burkett accepted the request and has asked the two parties to join him this weekend in Toronto for exploratory talks into possible ways forward in the dispute.
The union, company and mediator have agreed to impose a complete media blackout on the exploratory talks until further notice, the press release stated.