CBC News
Hundreds of people showed their support at a steelworkers’ union rally in Labrador City on Monday evening.
In early April, the Iron ore Company of Canada announced that 150 workers would be laid off in June, causing anxiety for an already economically troubled Labrador West.
On Monday evening, the union hall for Local 5795 of the United Steelworkers was bustling with hundreds who carried signs that read things such as “Stand With Lab West,” “Stop the Union Busting” and “Solidarity is a Weapon.”
Union members march with USW flags at a rally in Labrador City on Monday. (John Gaudi/CBC)
Haul truck driver Chris Hill, from St. John’s, is still dealing with news that both he and his wife will be losing their jobs.
Add to that a young daughter and a $300,000 mortgage on a home in Labrador West, and the situation can be a source of anxiety.
He thinks the company is not tuned in to the plight of those being laid off.
“These guys are coming here, they’re taking our ore out and they’re contracting out jobs to other provinces while good hard working Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are losing their jobs,” he said.
“That’s just not right.”
Despite the doom and gloom, Hill did feel the turnout at Monday’s rally was very encouraging.
“I see a lot of old retired steelworkers here. I see a lot of workers at local businesses here. I see a lot of workers,” he said. “The guys who are not being affected by it show up here. It gives us a bit of a boost, to keep this fight going.”
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