Company, union talking as strike begins at Vale in Sudbury
Talks are ongoing between the union and Vale, the union's bargaining committee told CTV News on Tuesday. Sudbury mining workers at Vale are on strike for the first time in more than 10 years after workers rejected a five-year contract.
The bargaining committee of United Steelworkers (USW) Local 6500 told CTV it heard the membership loud and clear has brought that message back to the company.
They confirmed talks are ongoing.
Tuesday morning Vale, declined comment on the labour dispute, saying in a statement:
"Our focus is on continuing to explore a path to a settlement with the United Steelworkers while preserving the health and safety of all employees, unionized and non-unionized, as well as the safety and integrity of our operations."
The dispute began when workers rejected a five-year tentative contract in a vote Monday night.
"Vale regrets to inform that employees represented by United Steelworkers (USW) Local 6500, representing production and maintenance employees in Sudbury, voted to reject the company’s offer of a new five-year collective bargaining agreement despite the unanimous endorsement of that deal by the union bargaining committee," the company said in a news release Tuesday morning.
At 12:26 a.m. Tuesday on its website, the union said 87 per cent of its members voted on the new contract and 70 per cent rejected the tentative agreement.
"We are newly energized with this result and are looking forward to bringing your message to the company to let them know our work is not complete," the union's bargaining committee said.
"The company’s offer, and the union bargaining team’s endorsement of that offer, reflected months of hard work and commitment on both sides and a sincere demonstration to favorably conclude negotiations," Vale said. "Vale is committed to the long-term sustainability of its base metals business and its Ontario operations. The Company will continue discussions with USW in the hopes that both sides can find a path towards a ratified agreement in the near-term."
Vale has implemented contingency plans as workers head to the picket lines.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Federal government grants B.C.'s request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces
The federal government is granting British Columbia's request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces, nearly two weeks after the province asked to end its pilot project early over concerns of public drug use.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had with him in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
MPs agree Canadian gov't should improve new disability benefit
The federal government needs to safeguard the incoming Canada Disability Benefit from clawbacks and do more to ensure it actually meets the stated aim of lifting people living with disabilities out of poverty, MPs from all parties agree.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games Tuesday following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach against both the player and club.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
opinion Tom Mulcair: Trudeau's handling of Poilievre's 'wacko' House turfing a clear sign of Liberal desperation
When Speaker Greg Fergus tossed out Pierre Poilievre from the House last week, "those of us who have experience as parliamentarians simply couldn't believe our eyes," writes former NDP leader Tom Mulcair in his column for CTVNews.ca
New charges for Ont. woman who previously admitted to defrauding doulas
The Brantford, Ont. woman who was previously sentenced to house arrest after admitting to deceiving doulas has been charged again in connection to a new victim.