Doug Ashbury
Northern News Services

NNSL (Jun 10/98) - Striking Con miners were joined Saturday by national labor representative Joyce Hendy.

Hendy is vice-president for the national component of the Public Service Alliance of Canada.

"We wanted to show the (United Steelworkers of America Local 802) there is solidarity," she said.

"Morale on the Con picket line was good."

In the North, there are about 350 federal civil servants represented by PSAC, many with the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.

Originally from Sherbrooke, Que., Hendy has lived in Toronto since 1979. She is a project superintendent with Statistics Canada working specifically on the consumer price index in Ontario.

As well as joining Con miners on the picket line Saturday, Hendy also met with DIAND and other union members working in Yellowknife.

About 180 members of Local 802 Con miners went on strike at 12:01 a.m. Thursday, May 14.

Members of the local have been without a contract since April 30, 1997. The most recent agreement remains in effect until a new deal is reached.

"No talks are scheduled or contemplated at this time," Miramar Mining Corporation spokesperson Brian Labadie said Monday.

"The mine went into care and maintenance the minute they went on strike (to) make sure the mine stays in a position so it can start up again," he said.

United Steelworkers of America Local 802 president Cliff Moroz said members appreciated the PSAC show of support Saturday.

"For us it was very successful. We'd like to thank the people who came out," Moroz said.

"This sends a message that unions are here to stay."