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Kimberley lockout postponed at 11th hour

Workers on the job, pickets not up at City of Kimberley locations

A press release Sunday afternoon from the Steelworkers 1-405 stated that following the issuing of 72-hour lockout notice Thursday afternoon, meetings between the principles of the two parties took place late Saturday night.

Sme movement on the outstanding issues between the two parties by the employer emerged from these meetings on Sunday morning, the press release said.

"Sunday afternoon, following the reviewing of the latest movement by the employer, the USW Bargaining Committee decided to return to the bargaining table if the employer agreed to postpone the Lockout, which was scheduled to commence at the expiry of the 72-hour lockout notice at 4 p.m. Sunday afternoon."

At this time the two parties are scheduled to return to the table Monday morning in Kimberley. The employer has extended the lockout notice to expiry Tuesday morning, at 6 a.m., August 30, 2016.

All members scheduled to work on Monday, August 29, were to report to work as scheduled. City facilities will remain open at this time at the two parties attempt to reach an agreement or until Tuesday morning. The Bargaining Committee will report to a location yet to be determined Monday morning.

The Steelworkers added that no more comment on the situation will be forthcoming until an agreement is reached or, conversely, the lockout has commenced.