PREMIER ROMANOW ISSUES STATEMENT TODAY REGARDING SASKPOWER DISPUTE

Released on October 15, 1998

Premier Roy Romanow made the following statement in Saskatoon today:



---



I have a brief further statement today about SaskPower.



As you know, I made a statement yesterday calling for an end to the

SaskPower labour dispute.



I asked SaskPower to lift its lockout.



I asked the IBEW to lift its strike notice and to commit to work with

Power to complete essential winter maintenance.



I asked SaskPower to extend its deadline on its current offer, if the

IBEW agreed to do this.



The stakes could not be more important. This is about ensuring that

people's lights and heat stay on this winter.



SaskPower responded by agreeing, without qualifications or conditions,

to lift its lockout - as long as the IBEW kept up its side of the

bargain.



I regret to report that the IBEW has NOT agreed to keep up its side of

the bargain.



Instead, the IBEW leadership has only agreed to lift its strike until

October 26th.



The IBEW leadership has NOT committed to work with Power to

complete essential winter maintenance - work that requires

uninterrupted normal operation for about 40 days.



And the IBEW has written - in a personal communication to me this

morning - telling me that the union could make no assurances that

SaskPower would return to normal operations, even if its members

return to work.



In short, the only thing the IBEW has committed to do so far is

to return to work - at some level - for less than two weeks.



The net effect of the IBEW response is to have this situation

continue indefinitely.



I said yesterday that the government is not prepared to let this

situation continue indefinitely.



In consequence, I have written to the IBEW today to give them an

opportunity to clarify their response.



I am hopeful that the union leadership will carefully consider

these issues, the public interest, and the interests of its own

members.



I am hopeful the union leadership will agree to lift their strike

notice, to commit to return to normal operations, and to complete

winter maintenance without any hedges or qualifications.



I require that both the union and SaskPower jointly certify that

they are agreed on these issues by noon tomorrow.





-30-



For more information, contact:



Julianne Jack

Media Services

Regina

Phone: (306)787-6349