Talks to end Voisey's Bay strike continue

Talks aimed at ending the Voisey's Bay, Labrador nickel mine strike will continue Thursday.

Mine-owner Vale and the union representing striking miners met Wednesday.

Steelworkers union leader Darren Cove would not discuss specifics about how things went, but told CBC News Wednesday that the two sides met throughout the day and they're hoping to have a productive day Thursday.

Covesaid the union is cautiously optimistic it may reach a deal, but added, "[It's] been down this road before."

People who work at the Voisey's Bay mine in northern Labrador stopped working a year-and-a-half ago. Wages and benefits have been the main issues.

The latest round of talks come days before the provincial government is set to release the findings of an industrial inquiryit ordered to try to encourage resolution of the protracted labour dispute.

The inquiry's report is scheduled to be made public Friday.

Former premier Danny Williams ordered the inquiry.