Sudbury Streeters - Strikers landing new jobs

The majority of residents Northern Life spoke to said they think the strikers who land jobs take away employment that belongs to others. Not one of those interviewed wanted to appear on camera, because they said they feared their opinions would lead to harassment. File photo.

just meh I have no problem with the Local 6500 members going to the Employment Office and applying for a job and accepting it if offered. What I disagree with is what I've seen several times, and...

Posted by: noofie

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Feb 08, 2010

Majority of residents think strikers are taking employment away from others

By: Heather Green-Oliver - Sudbury Northern Life Staff

With Sudbury's rising unemployment rate, there's more pressure on residents to compete for jobs when they become available.

Northern Life took to the street to ask what people think about striking workers finding other work. Does it make it harder for those who are not on strike, but out of work, to find jobs in Greater Sudbury?

Watch Northern Life's video to see the reactions of some residents.

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37 Comments

noofie 2/10/2010 2:56:38 PM - Report Abuse

just meh
I have no problem with the Local 6500 members going to the Employment Office and applying for a job and accepting it if offered.
What I disagree with is what I've seen several times, and thats Local 6500 guys working for cash cash, undercutting legitimate tradesmen such as roofers, electricians, welders and mechanics which results in these legitimate tradesmen losing money or even their job.
Thats not right and thats what people see. The complaint isn't with the 20 or so guys working at Musselwhite or the 10 or 15 working for Dumas taking jobs no one else applied for.
just meh 2/10/2010 2:39:24 PM - Report Abuse

i can't wait to see after this is over done with just how many ppl will still be complaining that theres still no jobs, if the strikers go back to their job that will leave oh so many free opening at other jobs right what excuse will they have then? The jobs have been there some just havent been lookin good enough for them, so why not let the ones who still want to work an dont care where work. all you can do is apply an let the best person win.
Suez 2/10/2010 12:34:14 PM - Report Abuse

Losinghope, everyone has an opinion and many are expressed here. It seems clear, however, that there is certainly a push by the membership to get the union back to the bargaining table.

Whether bargaining is "bad faith" or not, there has to be a meeting of the minds at some point. Perhaps it is time for the union to say something like, "we agree to concessions A & B if you will drop concessions D & C". Start on some common ground somewhere.

What people seem to miss is that INCO had a history in the community. Vale is not INCO. They are foreign owned and operated and look at the Sudbury operations strictly on paper. They don't look at history, what effect the strike has on the community and other businesses that have contracts suspended because of the work stoppage. They have no loyalty to the membership, but expect loyalty in return. There was an article in the Sudbury Star, linking to Vale's 5 Year Plan. Read it, people. It is very enlightening.

There will come a day, hopefully soon, when the members of 6500 are back at work. Don't kid yourself, though. Further cuts at Sudbury operations are coming, which will affect my family and many other families. Again, there will be the trickle down effect for some other business for which Vale, not 6500, will be responsible.

The true shame of this whole experience is that our government is continuing down the path of selling off Canadian assets to the highest foreign bidder. Then, we turn around and throw our hands in the air when they don't recognize a history or a sense of responsibility to the Canadian people. It is a business which is their to run as they see fit and either we play ball, or someone else will. Perhaps it's time to realize we have to be in charge of our own natural resources, our own technologies that are developed here. We sell water and hydro, timber (which is now suffering because of similar issues in that industry), our techno
rightofcentre 2/10/2010 12:24:59 PM - Report Abuse

losing hope - if my job became unionized overnight I would hand in my two week's resignation that morning.
skndstry 2/10/2010 11:51:37 AM - Report Abuse

You are correct farmeral, but unions do not understand the simple concept of quid pro quo, as evidenced by their contention that "bargaining" must somehow mean a net gain with no loss whatsoever to the current position. Instead, they consider a loss to be less than what they wanted, and constantly refer to what they had to "give up", as though it were already theirs.

It makes no sense at all to normal people. But it won't stop them from browbeating or insulting you if you question them on this point of logic.
farmeral_3 2/10/2010 10:47:51 AM - Report Abuse

losinghope, it is hypocritcal for 6500 to claim bad faith bargaining on Vale Inco's side when they attempt to keep there operations in production to earn some money, while strikers go and seek employment elsewhere for the same reason.
If you want anti-scab legislation back, then be prepared to accept legislation preventing striking workers from working for pay elsewhere.
losinghope 2/10/2010 10:41:53 AM - Report Abuse

For all you people that support Vale and scabs let me ask you this...

Lets say your place of work becomes unionized and for some reason you are off on strike. Doesn't matter what the reason. Would you be happy if people were going into your place of work and doing your job while you were fighting for status quo? Just because they 'need' to make a buck? Wouldn't you be pissed too?

The whole purpose of a strike is to make the company feel the pinch right along with the strikers. Bring in scabs and the company no longer feels the pinch.
losinghope 2/10/2010 10:13:01 AM - Report Abuse

Again, I am not a striking miner. Just a working citizen of Sudbury that supports the USW.

I don't think that contractors that are going across to do jobs that the striking miners can not do even when they're not on strike are scabs. Contractors and people crossing the line to do the jobs of the striking miners are scabs.

There are plenty of jobs in Sudbury. Why cross the line to do the job of a man on strike? There is no need for it.
JungleJim 2/10/2010 9:28:09 AM - Report Abuse

Losinghope......So, it's OK for you to take another job, in the spirit of "feeding your family". If a contractor has to cross your line, or be laid off. It's OK for him NOT to feed his family, in order to show support for your ill advised strike. Sorry, I still have bills the banks won't let slide.
rightofcentre 2/10/2010 8:24:09 AM - Report Abuse

losing hope - no one is begrudging you feeding your family. Just know that in the Union's definition of the word, you are a scab to this community.

Don't worry though, the non-6500 people in this town won't pull you out of your pick up truck and beat the sh!t out of you. We have a bit more class.

They should call you guys the United Hypocrites of America.
losinghope 2/9/2010 10:23:51 PM - Report Abuse

So because I am taking a second job to feed my family I am in the wrong? Would I be considered a 'scab'? In all that you naysayers have posted, I would techniclly 'be taking a job away from someone else' even thoughI was the one that got hired. And all of you that have more than one job would be a 'scab' by your standards. Maybe you and your family should starve too then because you couldn't get yourself one great job.
Bucs 2/9/2010 8:24:15 PM - Report Abuse

AMEN Bidzey!!

The strike is in its 7th month, lots of time for the unemployeed to find jobs. Look on the Job Bank, there are hundreds of jobs on there.

LOTS of jobs to go around people.
Moelovesnews 2/9/2010 7:37:58 PM - Report Abuse

bidzey I'm from planet EARTH
I have a job and a full time job and I'm no lazy person and I'm no idiot. As for my friend the roofer..he is employed with a roofing company and pays dues ( a professional roofer) and the reason he is being laid off is the strikers are taking roofing jobs away from his employer. They are doing cash jobs on the side. But this will kick them in the butt because they will all the reported to the goverment. How would you feel if someone came in and took away some of your hours at work,,Bla Bla,,bal. Ya it is a free country, but when you take jobs on the side make sure they are legit.
noofie 2/9/2010 6:08:17 PM - Report Abuse

bidzey
It was because strikers were taking other jobs that the Harris Gov't removed the "No Scab Law".
What was happening (mostly in s. Ont.), was small to medium sized plants were being struck and picketed. Because of the NDP-Bob Rae Gov't anti scab law, the plants couldn't produce although the striking workers were able to take other jobs.
This is why the first act of the Harris Gov't was to remove the Anti-Scab Law from the books.
So now, if Local 6500 members are working elsewhere to earn money, the company has the right to hire other workers to earn money.
Lloyd 2/9/2010 1:03:47 PM - Report Abuse

Sad, so very sad, when you think that probably the majority of Vale workers would like to get back, and would gladly accept the paltry concessions Vale wants; but the union "leaders" LOL and a few loudmouth, intimidating militants will never let it happen, simply because then they would look bad, so very bad. So, in reality, here you have a few union blowhards blocking over 3000 people from regaining their livelihood from the brink of financial disaster; and getting the rest of the community back to some sense of normalcy. Sad, so very sad.
skndstry 2/9/2010 12:47:20 PM - Report Abuse

Agreed Suez, and I feel for those who are out of work through no fault of their own. That's union life, to be sure.

BUT - my sympathy is limited. Once you are out, you are out. So stay out, or go back to your own job - you are right, it is damned if you do and damned if you don't.

But if you won't cross that line, and feel nobody has a right to do your work, then don't take food out of the mouths of others while you wait to go back to your own high-paying job.

Stand with your brothers - and go hungry with your brothers. Because IMO - anything else makes you as much a scab as any other guy who crosses your line to take your job.
CCNR@IPC 2/9/2010 12:46:29 PM - Report Abuse

Thank you all, for your pleasant thoughts, and well wishes..
Your points are made from the heart, and I see some are passionate about their beliefs..

Yes, I'm a striker, but die hard union supporter? Well, hand on a second there..
I support my union, YES..
I Believe in Unions, YES..
Do I feel USW Strikers are taking away other peoples work? NO...
Fellow workers are taking Jobs that no one else seems to want..
I asked a gentleman last night.. he is driving cab (wont say for who) and he assures me, they are still hiring.. So, if you are looking for a job, call a local taxi company.
School bus operators are always looking for work.. Are you upset we are taking those jobs too?
Please give me a break.. We are community supporters, we live here, we normally work here too.
We are on strike, but don't forget, we also have families.. Imagine that... some of us have children, and some of us have extended families that we are supporting..
Don't just assume the Strikers are taking all the "good" jobs out there, it is not true!
Lloyd 2/9/2010 12:22:12 PM - Report Abuse

It's a long-standing union tradition, to browbeat anyone who even dares to question the leaders' decision on something. They do this by ensuring there are lots of loudmouths to yell at the meetings - in unions it is the job of the few, to intimidate the many. Unions are kinda' like a softer version of the mafia.
looseends 2/9/2010 11:33:09 AM - Report Abuse

Well suez, its nice to see a little sense among some members, and I do believe the members can't speak up at union meeting without being ridiculed and belittled, thats easy to see with some of the comments being thrown around on these sites from union supporters, these guys are completly out of touch. When members stand up and express thier feeling about wanting to get back to work - so on and so on, and they are almost chased out of the meeting says alot about the leadership of the union, sound like the minority rules now, I think its obvious that the community and a good portion of the members are fed up with this union and thier attitudes towards the strike - they are clueless
Suez 2/9/2010 10:53:11 AM - Report Abuse

There are members of 6500 that did not vote to strike. Pardon the pun, but it is like being caught between a rock and a hard place. You have your seniority into a good pension plan. You didn't walk away from a good paying job; majority rules and so you deal. You still have a mortgage and a family to feed. What do you do?

You go to a union meeting and the few that are militant threaten their brothers and sisters that want to get back to negotiations. "One more day" does not a family feed.

There were people standing up at a recent meeting asking to union to get back to work and negotiate. They were chased out of the meeting by their own members. Is not the union brass supposed to represent their members that pay union dues?

We know the community isn't behind the workers. Understandable, in tough economic times. However, the 6500 contract is the most public contract there is. Does Hydro publish their contract? the boards of education? city? And, again, why do you think Inco (now Vale) employees have to justify their lifestyle. After 20 years at a job, you would hope you have a few assets, however minimal. We have parents that are deceased that we have inheritances from. How we use those funds or assets, that's our business as much as it is your private business as to what happens in your home.

Most of the guys and gals just want to be back at work. Believe it or not, they also realize what this action is doing to the community and to other industries that rely on Vale for their employment as well. Unfortunately, it seems as though there is a holding pattern here.

I say it again, let's get these people back to work!!!
skndstry 2/9/2010 10:02:05 AM - Report Abuse

Striking workers who take jobs from others are scabs. Sorry, but it's true.

I'm fairly neutral in this whole debate and can see the issues that exist on both sides, but with union members using the word scab so liberally - including against those who are just going about their business and not even doing 6500 work - I think it highlights the mentality of many union members that they think nothing of taking a job out from under someone else who might need it while they VOTED to be off work.

You are still employed by the company. If you don't like the company or the job and want another one - put your money where your mouth is and quit. But in the end, that gig at Home Depot isn't going to provide the lifestyle to which you've become accustomed working for that "crappy" company, is it?
Lloyd 2/9/2010 9:47:56 AM - Report Abuse

Scabs? are you kidding?? Who are the real scabs here - people who VOLUNTARILY give up their $100,000 a year job to go on strike - and for paltry reasons, and then go out and take other jobs that people in the community need? or people who are already employees of the company, and who just want to go to work to feed their family? The HYPOCRISY of this union knows no bounds, doesn't it?
99gt 2/9/2010 9:33:40 AM - Report Abuse

Thank you Leo for an incredible interview.. Thank you for your honesty..
John Fera, your leadership will guide us through this difficult time.

Lead ya right into the black hole. If JF jumped off a cliff would you... oh wait....
looseends 2/9/2010 9:10:00 AM - Report Abuse

towards the end of the video the reporter states that alot of people interviewed thought that 6500 members were taking work from others but declined to be on tv in fear of being harrassed of targeted by 6500 strikers, - see the reputation you guys have developed in the community, then you wander why you have no support. 6500 played their cards wrong from the beginning and time is now running out on them, the union knows they are in trouble now that Vale and the rest of the community is ready to move on with out them.
6500 members are now out in the community " scabbing" jobs from people who really want to work.CCNR@IPC is no doubt a thick sckulled die hard union supporter who is going to go down in flames like the rest of them, and after the last 7 months, he still can't see it.
Nobody Special 2/9/2010 8:43:58 AM - Report Abuse

Was Leo chewing tobacco during that interview, and what was that word he kept looking for?
Moelovesnews 2/9/2010 2:22:58 AM - Report Abuse

This is for CCNR@IPC IT"S CALLED FREEDOM OF SPEECH, you say what you have to say Phillip Morris.
As for strikers worker while on strike I don't think it fair them taking someone else's job. I have a friend that works fulltime as Roofer and this is his permanent job year round, but this year he is being laid off for the first time in years. Why because the strikers are taking roofing jobs at a cheaper price, and taking jobs away from this poor man that does this for a living year round.
You striker went on strike then you go on strike and don't take othe peoples jobs. You are all cursing at scabs well you are not doing any better your taking someone elses job..how dare you. I know of you will say you need the extra money then go back to VALE..that's where you are employed.
Your on strike then STRIKE, and stay on your picket line..Noboby is giving extra jobs or $200 a week to those poor workers that are being laid off because of you. I know some will be upset with my comment...but like I said before FREEDOM OF SPEECH>
strikefarce 2/8/2010 11:41:22 PM - Report Abuse

With all due respect Northern Life, must you publish a new striker article on a DAILY basis? It get's rather monotonous.
on371 2/8/2010 10:43:25 PM - Report Abuse

Ironic. They ridicule the "scab" workers that are working for Vale right now yet they're taking OUR jobs because of their own GREED? Pathetic steelworker scabs. Complete hypocrisy if you ask me. Can someone make a website and post pictures of these steelworkers scabbing it up? Nevermind that, we won't stoop down to their levels.
sean10 2/8/2010 10:33:16 PM - Report Abuse

If the strikers do not like vale, they should quit. They will not quit because they are not capable to get better job somewhere else even at Tims
CCNR@IPC 2/8/2010 9:50:13 PM - Report Abuse

Phillip Morris, I see your still spewing your ignorance on the USW Strike.
For every one else, As long as you perform your picket duty, you still receive your Strike pay..
As for working while on strike.. The strikers who are LOOKING for work, find it, and work..
If you don't look you don't find! Any one can have the jobs we are taking, they just have to go and ask for them..

Thank you Leo for an incredible interview.. Thank you for your honesty..
John Fera, your leadership will guide us through this difficult time.
Community, thank you for your support..
Phillip Morris, YOU are a lost cause.. I can't stress this enough, keep your mouth shut, until you learn what is really happening out there in OUR community.. You do not know the facts, you prove that each time you open your mouth.. So, please keep it closed.. Thank YOU for that.
Phillip Morris 2/8/2010 8:34:19 PM - Report Abuse

Many scab strikers aren't informing the union they have other jobs. They still collect the $200/week from the union. Putting the screws to the others that are following the rules. Some solidarity, eh?
Notice in the video how only a select few were taped showing support for scabbing strikers working elsewhere. Yet the reporter states that the majority of Sudburians don't support 6500 members seeking other employment.

That reflects the common mood in the population. Sudbury hasn't been behind the Stealworkers from day one.
Wake up Fera and Gerard. Its OVER.
Kratos624 2/8/2010 8:23:10 PM - Report Abuse

Education with always reign supreme over experience Grumpy Ole Man. They may be getting some employment which is great, but us recent grads will be their Supervisor's and Managers before they retire. :)
Grumpy Ole Man 2/8/2010 8:03:27 PM - Report Abuse

Of the striker's gaining new employment, 99.999999999% are working for less than what they rejected from the evil Vale final offer. Nice to see they can screw recent grads out of their first job - maybe the grads can go work for the new Vale productive work place.
helpful 2/8/2010 7:14:25 PM - Report Abuse

ouisiem, They do know what REAL work is....
Or maybe I should take you under and show you myself.
Kratos624 2/8/2010 6:30:43 PM - Report Abuse

At least the Strikers have a reason to be out of work due to the Strike. What are the other people in Sudbury out of work from? Getting Fired from previous jobs? Getting Laid off just like Vale and Xstrata laid off how many hundreds of people? Pretty difficult to find good jobs in a city where the big employers are run by blood-suckers. Keep cutting staff and see how many people are looking for jobs. We'll all end up paying for it in the end anyway in tax's for all of the E.I. Checks going out. Maybe that's what Sudbury will be known for in the future. The City with the highest Unemployment rate in Canada, on top of having top 10 in the Worst Roads. Yay Sudbury!
ouisiem 2/8/2010 4:58:11 PM - Report Abuse

I don't even have to watch it, I know they're getting jobs, I also know that in a lot of cases they are fired shortly after because they don't know what real work is.
rightofcentre 2/8/2010 4:11:47 PM - Report Abuse

Sudbury media is very reactive to public opinion. They wouldn't have put a video like this at the beginning of the strike when support for the union was strong. Now that the USW is on its death bed they circle round like vultures...