As Vales strike continues, impact on economy in Sudbury grows
The strike by 2,504 workers at Vale for the past 58 days has taken millions of dollars out of Sudbury's economy, says a retired economics professor from Laurentian University.
"Pick the number -- $100,000 a year between salaries, bonuses, benefits and so on," said Dr. David Robinson. "Just multiply those out – (after) two months, it's in the range of $50 million."
The Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce, which represents 700 businesses from many sectors including retail, restaurants and mining supply companies, said Wednesday their members are hurting, as well.
"Vale relies on an extended supply chain of good and service providers," said Neil Milner, the chair of the board of the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce.
"When Vale isn't operating and consuming those services or supplies, local businesses see a drop in their normal business and that has an impact on their bottom line."
Milner said chamber members are staying quiet during the dispute, but are hoping for a positive outcome sooner rather than later.
"Sudbury business economy has been impacted by COVID-19 and we know that the businesses in town were looking forward to recovery," he said. "Any labour dispute will have an impact on the local business community."
Robinson said the economic impact of the pandemic could be making the financial impact of the strike less noticeable.
"This is sort of interesting because the timing," he said. "The COVID thing is going down, the problem is going down, while the union problem is going up. So I don't know that too many businesses are noticing very much of the strike effect yet."
The union representing workers on strike at Vale confirms both sides are still at the bargaining table trying to reach a deal.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.