Mediator Appointed in National Gypsum Dispute

Environment and Labour Minister Kerry Morash announced today, Dec. 6, that he has appointed Milton Veniot to mediate the labour-management dispute between National Gypsum Canada Ltd. and the International Union of Operating Engineers, locals 721 and 721B.

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. Morash 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. Morash said.

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