February 5th, 2015

Dear Mayor Snook, Councillors, CUPE President Glenn Pittman, and locked-out workers in Happy Valley-Goose Bay,

The lockout of Municipal employees is unfortunate, and I empathize with all involved. I have been monitoring the ongoing actions on both sides and like many others are disappointed that a resolution has not yet been found. I thank all involved for your efforts and do understand that any agreement has to be fair and acceptable to all parties.

The ongoing lockout is having an instrumental impact on all citizens in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. As we have seen with the above-normal amounts of snow in the region, the town is being hit hard with the lack of adequate snow clearing services and other reduced services such as fire-fighting and the maintenance of community properties.

It is unfortunate that the residents of Happy Valley-Goose Bay are also paying the price of this contract dispute. This is affecting the safety of the community and causing interruptions for school children and working parents.

It is therefore that I ask Mayor Snook and the town council, as well as CUPE President Pittman and striking workers to return to the table to continue negotiating in good faith an expeditious end to the current lockout.

If this is not possible I would suggest a mediator be invited to review the circumstance and provide a fair solution.

I wish you well and if there is a way I can help in this process please call upon me.

Sincerely yours,

Yvonne Jones, MP