The Canada Labour Relations Board says it may take some time to rule on issues related to a prolonged dispute at the Giant gold mine, on the northern shore of Great Slave Lake. The mine is owned by Royal Oak Mines (TSE) and the dispute has lasted since May 23 of last year.
The board heard testimony March 9-11 and is now deliberating on matters that will determine whether the Giant Mine Employees Association can seek certification to represent hourly mine workers. Striking workers are now represented by Local 4 of the Canadian Association of Smelter and Allied Workers (CASAW). However a six-month deadline allows decertification to be legally pursued.
The case is complex in that the board must determine if the association was formed freely by mine workers, without company interference. If this hurdle is passed, the board would then decide if a vote should be held and who would have the right to vote.
Miners currently consist of CASAW members who have crossed the picket line, replacement workers and new hires. The issue is complicated by the fact that Royal Oak dismissed some strikers, while others resigned.
Meanwhile, progress is reported in the investigation of an underground explosion on Sept. 18, 1992, which killed nine miners and was found to have been
deliberately set.
Sgt. David Grundy of the Yellowknife detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, told The Northern Miner that suspects have been identified and leads are being followed.
“This is a solvable crime,” Grundy asserted.
The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation has also been working on the case and has publicly stated that the crime is “highly solvable.”
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