Dane Gibson
Northern News Services

NNSL (Sep 15/99) - As the clock ticks towards what appears to be the inevitable firing of all but 50 Giant employees, union leaders are digging in for a fight.

A meeting was held Friday between members of Canadian Auto Workers Local 2304, Yellowknife MLAs, city councillors and MP Ethel Blondin-Andrew to forge ahead with a working group. Their task is to come up with a better offer to buy Giant Mine than what Miramar Mining Corp. has put forward. As of today (Wednesday), they have seven days to do it.

After discussions with DIAND minister Bob Nault, Blondin-Andrew said they have arranged $50,000 in funding for Local 2304 to prepare a proposal for receivers PricewaterhouseCoopers.

"The financial assistance is being provided so the workers can retain the outside expertise necessary to assess the feasibility of continuing to operate the mine at the current rate of production," Blondin-Andrew said.

"The money will also be used to help the union assess the volumes of information they have received from PricewaterhouseCoopers."

CAW Local 2304 president Marc Danis said they don't expect to have a full proposal ready in a week, but they can prove they are legitimate contenders to buy Giant.

Along with the $50,000, Danis said they have applied to the GNWT for another $20,000. Toronto firm Roscoe Postle Inc. has been hired by the union to do a comprehensive review of Giant's resources and reserves.

"Certainly, if we show we have something going with a professional firm, I think it will give us more credibility," Danis said.

"We'll need an extension (to prepare a proposal). In my talks with PricewaterhouseCoopers, they haven't ruled an extension out."

If any union members are fired, Danis said the CAW will fight for the benefits and severance pay those workers are entitled to under the union's collective agreement.

Twelve weeks pay in lieu of notice, one weeks pay for every year of service (up to a maximum of eight weeks), and six months pay if the mine is shut down without notice are their demands under the collective agreement.

"These claims were made to the receivers and were accepted as legitimate claims," Danis said.

"The laws are clear and if the Miramar deal goes through, they have to recognize the union. They are the successor company, regardless of the Royal Oak bankruptcy. They don't have any special status under the bankruptcy laws."

Danis said the union has met with Human Resource Development Canada (HRDC) and they have agreed to set up a table in the union hall with information about resume building and claim filing.

Still, Danis is remaining cautiously optimistic that they will prevail and keep Giant workers employed.

"We've always said from day one that nothing is in the bag, nothing is for sure," Danis said.

"We've had meetings with HRDC (Human Resource Development Canada) to ensure they have easy access to available services, but I really don't think we'll need those services. I think we'll win."