Sudbury Steelworkers Local 6500 rejects Vale's second offer
Update:
After an 87 per cent majority vote Monday evening, United Steelworkers (USW) members in Sudbury have rejected contract concessions by mining giant Vale.
"Vale's employees have said emphatically that they want this employer to stop attacking their benefits, to stop eroding the standard of living for the next generation, to stop taking more and more away from our families and our community, especially during good times," said USW Local 6500 President Nick Larochelle. "The message from our members is clear: 'Back off the concessions, get back to the table and negotiate a deal that puts people before profits - then the profits will flow."
The union is calling on the company to commit to good-faith negotiations to settle the strike by 2,500 workers.
Original:
Vale and the United Steelworkers Local 6500 continue to struggle to reach a deal.
Vale expresses "disappointment" that the union bargaining committee is recommending rejection of a new offer tabled June 12.
Officials say the new offer addresses union concerns over wages, pensions and benefits for new hires.
"Our efforts at the table have focused on reaching a deal that benefits employees and the community while addressing challenges in the business. We feel our revised offer does that," said Chief Operating Officer, North Atlantic Operations Dino Otranto in a media release.
Adding, "While it is disappointing that the union has chosen not to endorse the company’s offer, our commitment to finding a path forward to a ratified deal has never wavered."
Around 2,500 members of the USW walked off the job on June 1 to "protect health benefits and proper compensation during good times" according to the union.
"Vale knows it provoked this strike by demanding concessions, yet it continues to attack health benefits," said USW Local 6500 President Nick Larochelle in a statement. "We want to be clear – our members want to get back to work, but they expect a good-faith offer from Vale that respects their concerns."
A union meeting will be held Monday following by online voting on the latest offer.
The union claims that Canadian taxpayers have been subsidizing Vale’s operations, despite the company’s massive profits.
"Taxpayers gave the company $67.7 million last year, in the form of pandemic-related subsidies from the federal government," Kim Kmit said in a post on the USW Local 6500 website.
Vale responded with a statement to CTV News when asked about the subsidies:
"At the onset of the pandemic, specifically Q2, all of Vale’s base metals markets experienced significant demand shocks resulting from global COVID-19 related shutdowns. Further, Vale’s Voisey’s Bay operation in Labrador was placed into care and maintenance for three months to reduce risk of transmission to neighboring Indigenous communities. Vale was the first mining company in Canada, perhaps the world, to shut down operations voluntarily in the interests of health and safety. The Canada Employment Wage Subsidy allowed us to continue to pay employees and contractors who were not working due to concerns about the virus being potentially transmitted to vulnerable communities."
"Vale's employees have said emphatically that they want this employer to stop attacking their benefits, to stop
eroding the standard of living for the next generation, to stop taking more and more away from our families and our
community, especially during good times," said USW Local 6500 President Nick Larochelle.
“The message from our members is clear: 'Back off the concessions, get back to the table and negotiate a deal that
puts people before profits - then the profits will flow.”
"Vale's employees have said emphatically that they want this employer to stop attacking their benefits, to stop
eroding the standard of living for the next generation, to stop taking more and more away from our families and our
community, especially during good times," said USW Local 6500 President Nick Larochelle.
“The message from our members is clear: 'Back off the concessions, get back to the table and negotiate a deal that
puts people before profits - then the profits will flow.”
"Vale's employees have said emphatically that they want this employer to stop attacking their benefits, to stop
eroding the standard of living for the next generation, to stop taking more and more away from our families and our
community, especially during good times," said USW Local 6500 President Nick Larochelle.
“The message from our members is clear: 'Back off the concessions, get back to the table and negotiate a deal that
puts people before profits - then the profits will flow.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Five areas Canada's foreign interference commissioner says needs more investigation
Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue released her interim report examining foreign election interference on Friday. Here are five elements of the issue that Hogue says she needs to further probe before she can make conclusions or recommendations.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
New weight-loss drug Wegovy not a 'magic bullet,' doctor warns
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Manitoba man sentenced to house arrest for keeping fishing tournament funds meant for Children's Hospital Foundation
A Manitoba man who pleaded guilty to keeping the funds raised from an ice-fishing fundraiser for the Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba has been handed a sentence of 18 months house arrest.
Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole
A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.