The Voisey's Bay nickel mine in northern Labrador could become the scene of another labour dispute, with a group of workers moving closer to a strike position.

About 120 workers, represented by the United Steelworkers union, could be in a legal strike or lockout position as early as April 13.

(CBC)

Two subcontracting companies employ the workers at the Voisey's Bay mine, which is about 35 kilometres south of Nain on Labrador's northern coast.

Employees of Torngat Services provide snowclearing, housekeeping and food services at the mine's camp.

Workers with Ushitau Maintenance handle skilled maintenance work at the mine.

Workers are seeking parity with what is called the "nickel bonus," a quarterly payment that Voisey's Bay Nickel gives its direct employees and which is based on the price of nickel.

Sources tell CBC News that the bonus can mean as much as an extra $30,000 per year.

The subcontractors pay their employees a smaller bonus.

No direct talks are underway and company and union officials were not available for recorded interviews.

Officials with the Newfoundland and Labrador government say a conciliator is working to keep the lines of communication open.

Much of the Voisey's Bay mine was shut down for eight weeks in 2006, as about 120 heavy equipment operators and mill workers organized a strike that yielded higher pay and improved pensions.

Voisey's Bay Nickel shipped its first concentrate in November 2005.

The United Steelworkers, meanwhile, are involved in another Labrador mining dispute. Nearly 1,000 employees at the Iron Ore Company of Canada in Labrador City have been off the job since March 9.