Striking Sudbury miners get some picketing help

NEWS RELEASE

TONY MARTIN, MP

************************* Local MPs stand with Vale Ino workers on picket line

SUDBURY - Local New Democrats Claude Gravelle (Nickel Belt) and Glenn Thibeault (Sudbury) [joined] the hard-working members of United Steelworkers Local 6500 this morning on the picket lines.

“Miners are the backbone of this community,” said Thibeault. “Sudburians stand by their workers because these workers are family, neighbours, friends - when your friend’s being bullied, you come to their aide and stand with them.”

Monday’s strike follows a week of turmoil.

On Wednesday, Vale Inco CEO Roger Agnelli called the Sudbury operations “unsustainable.”

Shortly after and prior to the union executive’s presentation to the membership, Vale Inco posted the company’s contract proposal on its website.

Amidst the already tense situation, the company announced a further 54 layoffs.

“Vale made commitments to the Canadian government and to our community when they acquired Inco and they need to be held accountable,” commented Gravelle. “We have a strong tradition here in Sudbury of standing strong together, and the company needs to know that we will be supporting these hard working families until a settlement can be reached.”

The local’s collective agreement expired May 31, 2009, and was extended to midnight July 12 to allow for more bargaining.

After bargaining came to a standstill last Monday, union members voted overwhelmingly to reject the offer.

“I’ve been through a strike and I know how important the community’s support is to the workers and their families,” said Gravelle. “It’s crucial that all sides return to the table and negotiate a fair agreement. Nobody wants a long strike.”

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