Minister Appoints Mediator in IWK-NSGEU Dispute

Environment and Labour Minister Mark Parent announced today, April 27, that he has appointed Milton Veniot to mediate the labour-management dispute between the IWK Health Centre and the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union, Local 22.

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. Parent said. He added 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. Parent said.

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