July 4, 2010 9:20 PM

I am pleased, that after almost a year of intense negotiations and mediation, the parties in the labour dispute between Vale and the United Steelworkers locals 6200 and 6500 have reached a tentative agreement this weekend. This is positive news for the families and communities affected by this long strike.

I want to express my thanks to mediators Reg Pearson and Kevin Burkett and the individuals representing both the employer and union for their hard work over the weekend to reach this important resolution.