LABRADOR CITY, N.L. – United Steelworkers (USW) representatives welcome today’s announcement that the Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC) will proceed with its Wabush 3 mine expansion project.
“Our members, our families and our community are encouraged this project will proceed and that it will support good, local jobs for generations to come,” said Ron Thomas, President of USW Local 5795, which represents employees at IOC’s Labrador City operations.
“Our members have worked very hard to contribute to the company’s success and to build a strong future for our community and we’re committed to building a relationship with IOC’s new management,” Thomas said.
“We believe the relationship with IOC going forward must be much different than the situation that existed under the previous management,” he added.
“We need a relationship based on trust, integrity and respect for our legally binding collective agreement. This approach to labour relations is needed to ensure this new project succeeds and benefits our members, their families and our community.”
Marty Warren, USW Director for Ontario and Atlantic Canada, hailed the announcement that the Wabush 3 project is going forward.
“This project has been years in the planning and it’s good news for this region that it will now become reality,” Warren said.
“We welcome the new IOC management’s willingness to engage with our union to address issues and concerns. There is still much more to do and we are ready to work together to make this project a success and build a prosperous future for the company, our members and for Labrador West,” Warren added.
“We are delighted that IOC is making this significant investment and to finally see that the Wabush 3 project is proceeding,” said USW International President Leo W. Gerard.
“This is long-awaited, positive news that creates optimism and promises real benefits for working families and the community. We are encouraged that there is a commitment to seize on this optimism to develop a new, productive labour-management environment,” Gerard said.
IOC today announced a $79-million investment for the Wabush 3 project, which will include a new pit developed within existing mine operations, extending the life of these operations and increasing production of quality grade iron concentrates and pellets.
The company said construction will begin within the next few months, with initial ore production expected in the second half of 2018.
Marty Warren, USW District 6 Director, 416-243-8792, mwarren@usw.ca
Ron Thomas, USW Local 5795 President, 709-280-0068, ronthomas@crrstv.net
Bob Gallagher, USW Communications, 416-544-5966, 416-434-2221, bgallagher@usw.ca
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