Advanced Education, Skills and Labour Minister Al Hawkins announced on Friday an independent mediator will be appointed to help resolve the labour dispute between D-J Composites and the company’s employees in Gander.
The employees, who are members of Unifor Local 597, have been locked out since last December.
According to a news release from the department Friday, D-J Composites and Unifor have been notified of the decision.
“The appointment of an independent mediator will bring a fresh perspective to the collective bargaining process,” Hawkins said.
“I urge the parties to avail of this opportunity and to make a determined and honest effort to bring an end to this dispute.”
Hawkins has met separately with both parties to discuss potential ways to end the lockout, the release added.
