Striking Vale workers praised for their resolve on the picket line
Workers at Sudbury's Vale operations continue their strike against the company after turning down the latest contact offer.
Vale workers hit the picket lines after voting down the company’s offer by a margin of 70 per cent.
Late last week, local MPPs and the retired Steelworkers International president showed up at the picket lines to offer their support.
They said the strike shows the resolve of the union membership, since they are willing to go on strike during such an uncertain time for workers and the economy.
“I believe in the collective voice of many and people have had enough and I think this was a good showing of that," said striking worker David Johns. "Seventy percent rejection in today’s economy and I’m very proud of everybody for checking no.”
Former Steelworkers leader Leo Gerard said he is proud of the stance the workers are taking in defending the benefits of future retirees.
"Vale’s had its best quarter in history since it’s came to Sudbury and for it to come to take benefits away from future retirees and say well we can’t predict the future, we’ll that’s the reason you can’t predict the future is the reason we need those benefits," Gerard said.
Two Sudbury area New Democrat MPPS were also at the picket line in copper cliff and later in Levack to show their support. They said they know first-hand that being on strike is never easy, especially during a pandemic.
“After a year and three months of COVID, there are a lot of families that are having a tough time -- add a strike on top of this and I know that for some families, it will put them over the edge," Said Nickel Belt MPP France Gélinas.
"So, I come, I try to talk to as many strikers as possible and let them know if you need help, call me.”
The last word from the union was that bargaining talks with vale are continuing and that pensions for younger workers is the main stumbling block.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
DEVELOPING Live updates from the Trump hush money trial: Stormy Daniels, bookkeeper testify
Adult film star Stormy Daniels is on the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
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.
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.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
B.C. wildfires likely to spread with weekend temperatures expected to soar, province says
Wildfire and emergency management officials in British Columbia are urging residents to be prepared for increased fire activity as temperatures are expected to soar above 30 C in parts of the province this weekend.
Wilfrid Laurier football player drafted despite only playing 27 games in his entire life
A Listowel, Ont. man, drafted by the Hamilton Tigercats last week, is also getting looks from the NFL, despite only playing 27 games of football in his life.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
BREAKING Sheldon Keefe out as head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired head coach Sheldon Keefe. The team made the announcement Thursday after the Original Six franchise lost to the Boston Bruins in seven games in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.