There is an update today on the temporary closure of Vale's Coleman Mine in the Sudbury community of Levack.
480 workers were laid off last month as the company determined repairs were needed for the ventilation shaft at the mine.
Originally anticipating being back in operation by December, the union now says repairs will likely continue until late January.
About 90 employees remain on the site to work on the shaft and conduct maintenance checks underground. Vale confirmed about 100 production and maintenance employees from Coleman have been recalled and transferred to other mine sites.
While the mine is staying closed longer than initially anticipated, the union says workers affected by the layoff are being taken care of.
“Vale has agreed to “top up” the E-I payments being received by affected workers to 95 per cent of their wages.” said Steelworkers Local 6500 President, Rick Bertrand.
He says a formula has also been reportedly worked out to compensate workers who earn bonuses.
It’s been tough on our members, obviously but, like I say, you know, we were able to sit down and we don’t have to wait for an arbitrator to make a decision in a year, a year and a half from now. So this is great news.” said Bertrand.
