Mediator appointed in Breton Bay Nursing Home Dispute

Labour Minister Russell MacKinnon has appointed Pictou County lawyer Milton Veniot to mediate the current labour dispute at the Breton Bay Nursing Home in Sydney.

"Mr. Veniot has been very successful in bringing about positive resolves in recent mediation duties," Mr. MacKinnon said. "He has long been a noted and successful arbitrator, and his recent successes have served to enhance his reputation for fairness."

Mr. Veniot served as the mediator for successful conclusions at The Cove Guest Home, Braemare Adult Residential Centre and Ocean View Manor.

Mr. MacKinnon said the current dispute has been difficult for all the stakeholders. He emphasized that in order to allow the collective agreement process to work, patience must be exercised.

"We have been watching this dispute very closely because our first concern has to be with patient care," Mr. MacKinnon said. "The employees exercised their right to strike on April 4, 1999, and we have worked with both employees and management in their efforts to reach an agreement."

Mr. MacKinnon said that following the employees' rejection of a tentative agreement on May 1, the Department of Labour decided to follow through on a request for a mediator from CUPE representative Roger Neeley.

"This is a normal dispute-breaking mechanism that is very much part of the collective agreement process," Mr. MacKinnon said. "It is an important step and must be done at the appropriate time. I believe that time is now."