SUDBURY, Ont. – Contract negotiations resumed today between the United Steelworkers (USW) and mining giant Vale after union members rejected the company’s contract offer, setting off a strike by 2,600 workers.
In voting held throughout the day Monday, union members voted by a 70% majority to reject a contract offer from Vale, leading to the strike at 12:01 a.m. today as the workers’ collective agreement with the company expired.
“Our members have given us a strong mandate and sent Vale a clear message to get back to the bargaining table to negotiate a fair deal,” said Nick Larochelle, President of USW Local 6500 which represents 2,600 workers at 10 different Vale facilities.
Shannon Devine, USW Communications, 416-894-7118 (cell), sdevine@usw.ca
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