Premier Calls on Federal Minister to End Strike

After four months, with no end in sight, Aliant's striking workers and their families, Aliant Inc. and the region's customers need a hand from Ottawa to end the strike, Premier John Hamm said today, Aug. 26.

"The strike, which began in April, is hurting both the striking employees and their families, Aliant Inc. and its customers," the premier said.

In a letter sent to federal Labour Minister Joe Fontana on Aug. 25, the Premier Hamm said: "I am aware that the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) has been a part of this process, working with the parties throughout this time to bring about a collective agreement, but I am urging you at this late hour to seek a new avenue to bring the two sides back to the table in the hopes of securing an immediate resolution to this strike."

The letter indicates that Nova Scotia's Minister of Environment and Labour Kerry Morash has met with and briefed his federal counterpart on the issue and the negative impact that it is having on all parties, as well as the provincial economy.

In his letter, the premier also stated: "Recently, a Beacon Securities analyst raised a new concern with regard to the strike at Aliant Inc. and that is the onset of the hurricane season. The importance to the telecommunications provider and its customers in maintaining those all-important communication links during emergencies became obvious last September during Hurricane Juan. Ensuring continued service or a quick resumption of service during an emergency is an issue that cannot be taken lightly and is one that Nova Scotians are not eager to see at risk."