USW plans ‘Day of Solidarity’ to thank supporters

Workers vote 75% to accept agreement ending year-long strike against Brazilian giant Vale.

Sudbury (13 July 2010) - United Steelworkers (USW) Local 6500 will be hosting a Day of Solidarity Tuesday for members and their families, community supporters and all unions that have supported the Local over the past year.

Employees of the Brazilian-owned mining giant Vale approved a new collective agreement by a vote of 75%, ending a trying year-long strike for the workers and the community.

NUPGE president James Clancy (third from right)

The Canadian labour movement, including the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), rallied behind the striking Sudbury workers. Because of the remote and uncaring approach by the company, the dispute became one of the longest and most bitter in Canadian labour history.

The Day of Solidarity begins at 2 p.m. at the Steelworkers Union Hall, 66 Brady Street, and continues until 11 p.m.

There will be family activities and music throughout the day as well as a complimentary hot meal to be served at 6 p.m. Live music will be performed by Old School Band between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Parking and shuttle service will be available noon until midnight at the city parking lot behind Brewers Retail on Lorne Street and after 4:30 p.m. at the old train station on Elgin Street.

Non-perishable food donations for the Sudbury Food Bank would be greatly appreciated.

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE

More information:
• Tentative agreement in long nickel strike at Sudbury
• VALE Inco solidarity rally March 22 in Sudbury
• Sudbury health care workers back Vale Inco strikers
• OPSEU backs striking Vale Inco workers in Sudbury
• World unions organize global action against Vale