Minister Appoints Mediator in School Dispute

Environment and Labour Minister David Morse announced today that he has appointed Milton Veniot to mediate the labour-management dispute at the Halifax Regional School Board.

Mr. Veniot, a veteran Pictou County lawyer, has successfully mediated a number of disputes in the past. His experience and expertise will help the situation, Mr. Morse said, adding that naming a mediator puts greater pressure on the parties to reach a resolution.

"With the appointment of Mr. Veniot, the parties must know that expectations are much higher now for a settlement," Mr. Morse said.

The janitors and maintenance workers, part of the Nova Scotia Union of Public Employees, have been on strike since March 24.

Mr. Morse said while the current dispute has been demanding for all parties, it is important to be patient and allow the collective bargaining process to work.

He said that the appointment of a mediator is a normal dispute- breaking mechanism and is part of the collective bargaining process.