D-J Composites agrees to binding arbitration after NL Premier intervenes

GANDER, NL, Oct. 3, 2018 /CNW/ - D-J Composites has consented to binding arbitration to resolve a 21-month lockout of Unifor Local 597 members.

"On Monday we asked Premier Dwight Ball to intervene and stand up for 30 workers who have been on a picket line far too long and we are pleased that with his assistance, we are going to binding arbitration," said Jerry Dias, Unifor's National President.

Binding arbitration will eventually lead to a collective agreement, which will end the lockout.

"These thirty workers could have walked away, but instead they stayed and they fought for their right to have a union at work. Their courage and resolve has inspired our entire union, indeed the entire labour movement," said Lana Payne, Atlantic Regional Director. "Be assured we will continue our fight for stronger labour laws that protects workers in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador."

"On behalf of all 30 of us we'd like to thank our National union and all the members who came here from across Canada to support us and raise awareness that 92 weeks is too long to be on any picket line," said Ignatius Oram, Local 597 unit chair.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.

SOURCE Unifor