Ottawa, Ontario, September 30, 2011—Today, as Canada’s Labour Minister, I received a notice to strike from the National Automobile, Aerospace, Transportation and General Workers Union of Canada (CAW-Canada) effective October 3 at noon. Our government is concerned that a strike is being considered and we are taking this situation very seriously.
Our government is focused on completing the economic recovery and this means protecting Canadian jobs as the economy remains fragile. That is why I continue to encourage the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation and CAW-Canada to work closely together to reach an agreement and avoid a work stoppage. Any work stoppage could negatively impact Canadian businesses and threaten our economy.
I remind the parties that the best solution in any dispute is one that the parties reach themselves. I urge the parties to come together to negotiate new collective agreements, as soon as possible, or agree to submit to a binding process.
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Ashley Kelahear
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