The union representing striking workers at the Voisey's Bay nickel mine in northern Labrador says talks will resume later this month to settle the long-running strike.

About 200 members of the United Steelworkers have been on strike against mining giant Vale since early August 2009.

Union representative Boyd Bussey told CBC News that Vale officials and the Steelworkers will start two days of talks on Sept. 19.

"I'm optimistic, as I'm always optimistic, that every time we go back we expect and hope to get a deal," Bussey said.

"We still have some major issues that are outstanding, and the union is prepared to give a little and the company has to be prepared to give a little and we can get a deal."

Workers at Voisey's Bay launched a strike just weeks after a separate strike was launched against Vale — then known as Vale Inco — in Ontario. The Steelworkers settled the strike in Sudbury and Port Colbourne this summer.

"I don't think that we're too, too far apart given that there's already been an agreement in Sudbury on the concession of the nickel bonus somewhat."