USW fails to show at negotiating meeting

TORONTO , Dec. 14 /CNW/ - The USW was a 'no-show' this morning at a negotiating meeting arranged by the Conciliation Officer appointed by the Minister of Labour which they had previously agreed to attend. Vale Inco's negotiating team arrived at the meeting this morning fully prepared to begin negotiations; however, the USW was not present. Vale Inco's negotiating team was advised this morning by the Conciliation Officer that the USW sent an after-hours e-mail Friday night indicating that they couldn't make travel arrangements in time to attend the meeting in St. John's . It is puzzling that travel arrangements could not be put in place to send representatives to a meeting to negotiate an issue that has kept our employees on strike for more than five months.

Given that the USW has once again rejected our request and the request of the Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment to return to the bargaining table, Vale Inco has no choice but to evaluate all of our options.

For further information please visit www.vinlnegotiations.com.

For further information: Cory McPhee, Vice-President, Corporate Affairs, Vale Inco Limited, [phone]; Bob Carter, Manager, Corporate Affairs, Vale Inco Newfoundland and Labrador, [phone]