Sudbury a 'powder keg' as Vale Inco ramps up production

Mar 15, 2010- 10:55 AM

By: Sudbury Northern Life Staff

Steelworkers District 6 director Wayne Fraser said Sudbury is a “powder keg” as Vale Inco prepares to bring in replacement workers to bring its operations in the community to full production, according to media reports.

“We are really worried about what this means and so are the police. People will be uncontrollable. They won't allow contractors to go in past the picket lines,” Fraser is reported as saying in a March 14 Financial Times article.

He added: “Vale can go and get stuffed. We are sick and tired of foreign capitalists coming in and undermining the Canadian way of life.”Steelworkers in Sudbury rejected a contract offer from Vale Inco March 11.

A March 14 Reuters article said that nickel from Sudbury will be “shipped to the company's Clydach Refinery in Wales, which expects to be at full capacity in April, producing 7.9 million pounds (3,600 metric tonnes) of nickel per month.”

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39 Comments

Phillip Morris 3/18/2010 7:15:16 AM - Report Abuse

They didn't plan on the fully qualified bunch from Timmins there noofie.
They forgot also about the 686 Xstrata guys that were let go last year from Falco.
They aren't planning on the 10.5% unemployment rate in the city providing a plethora of people willing to work for a fair wage and great benefits.
6500 ignores the large number of qualified and experienced contractors that will report to work for a full time gig.
The union counted on Sudburians and their fellow members not to cross the lines.
Gerard, Fera, and Fraser bet the house that Vale would 'be brought to their keees'.
They all figured on a global solidarity movment that would make Gerard some hero. - That failed.

All gambles. All wrong. Now all out of work and facing bankruptcy. The entire labour dispute built on a house of cards. One Day Too Long.
noofie 3/17/2010 7:50:43 PM - Report Abuse

When the miners from Quebec and the smelter/refinery guys from Timmins move in and start furnishing their apartments the economy will boom again.

Foolish actions like Local 6500 picketing motels (again) will just be the butt of jokes. The Newfies in Alberta are already telling "Local 6500" jokes.
Phillip Morris 3/17/2010 6:56:49 PM - Report Abuse

Vale has stated they're now going on to full production.
They have been fair and open during this entire labour dispute.
Only responding to the thuggery of the union. Not once provoking or stirring the pot.
Even Inco told them they'd be starting the smelter. Did it slowly and held back. To prove to the union they have no option. They even sweetened the pot with their last more-than-fair-deal.
The NO vote was the last straw. Vale did their best. And the union just keeps shooting itself in the foot. Now they are openly condoning violence?
The operations will go on now. The mandate handed down by the blind folloiwng the blind at the hall.
By the summer, the pickets will be totally redundant with all the work going on. Strikers a mild annoyance like the spring blackflies.
Lloyd 3/17/2010 3:23:20 PM - Report Abuse

What "inspiring" leaders the USW has, eh?
Lloyd 3/17/2010 3:13:51 PM - Report Abuse

So let's see......bring in a few rednecks from a strike in the USA, who basically condone violence; and now the "leader" (LOL) comes out in the media with an announcement that basically says he is washing his hands of anything the brothers and sisters do. This is called "union leadership"????? This strike is not "the government"'s problem, nor is it their responsibility to fix it. It IS ENTIRELY in the union's hands - they were offered a more than fair deal, and THEY chose to reject it. On another news item in this paper, it lays out objectively what the company has tried to do, and it's completely reasonable and fair; and yes, the USW continues to spew misinformation; and the company continues to present facts
noofie 3/17/2010 2:42:43 PM - Report Abuse

@ Dr. Phil
Just what is it you want Rick B. to do?
The government - neither federal nor provincial cannot interfere in private industry. If it were otherwise don't you think the Bus Driver and council would be all over this?
You paid the USW $100/month to protect you but now you want the government to take care of you.

It's hard to believe you guys don't understand what a number Fera and Fraser did on you at this last vote.
You have a chance to make a difference at the meeting tonight. If you miss it, there may not be another opportunity like this for a long time.
Good luck!
Dr.Phil 3/17/2010 2:12:48 PM - Report Abuse

Here he is .Our spineless liberal M.P. Mr.Rick Bartolucci for a photo opt were vote are easy and were they count...at the Hospital.You dont' see him backing up the thousands of workers that have been on strike for eight or the other thousands that have backed him over the years.
He decides its better to sit on the fence to protect his daughter who is a Vale employee in the HR dept...with hubby editor at MCTV controlling that part of it..
In fact she is suppose to be Steve Ball but is on a extended paid maternety leave so she does not have to face the media and make Daddy look bad.
This is how things are done in Brazil you buy the politicians in this case Bart.
How he can face us is beyond me no morals no gratitude no of anything.But I guess that what makes a spineless politician tic.
skndstry 3/17/2010 9:57:18 AM - Report Abuse

It's a powder keg, eh Wayne?

Well, it's been a powder keg ever since you declared it was a "war".

It was made worse by bringing in rednecks from West Virginia who saw fit to talk about how their violent tactics "worked".

And you and your cronies have done NOTHING to de-escalate the situation or speak out against violent members of your local.

Here you are making excuses ahead of time for what "may" come. When it does blow, it will be with your tacit approval. If you are willing to use such inflammatory language publicly, one can only imagine what is being communicated to strikers on the line when you drop by to "whip the boys up".
Ken_1 3/17/2010 9:34:07 AM - Report Abuse

Wayne Fraser is dangerously close to getting himself in trouble. I really don't think the police need to have Wayne speaking for them either.
Phillip Morris 3/16/2010 2:40:30 PM - Report Abuse

Good post Mr.BEHAPPY.
The link proides a clear, no propaganda explaination of what Vale put on the table. What 6500 tried to spin.

Again we see the union brass is playing games at the cost to its members. If any rank-and-file member had any doubts that Inco wasn't serious they are going on without them, this solidifies it.
A point of no return has passed. - Its over.
muff_1 3/16/2010 1:13:42 PM - Report Abuse

Good point wonderinwhy. Guess that would make 6500 an accessory now wouldn`t it. Maybe 6500 should stop playing the "rapist" card
noofie 3/16/2010 11:59:18 AM - Report Abuse

@BEHAPPY
Thanx for posting that link.

Everyone should read it.
wondrinwhy 3/16/2010 11:27:07 AM - Report Abuse

If Vale is as bad as 6500 makes them out to be, raping Canada's resources, etc etc etc, why do you want to work for them? Working for them would make you complicate in "our" resources being shipped elsewhere. How can you all so casually betray your own city and country?
BEHAPPY 3/16/2010 11:13:38 AM - Report Abuse

http://valeinconegotiations.com/
bigriver 3/16/2010 10:16:19 AM - Report Abuse

The problem these days is that the government has no sense of duty to its citizens. After WWII, the government felt obliged to its citizens because they rallied together to save this country. Because the government kept their top priority the people, the country prospered. Nowadays, they keep big business their priority, and look what happenes.
Phillip Morris 3/16/2010 6:54:56 AM - Report Abuse

"Vale might crush our ore, but they'll never crush our determination."

Crushing ore makes profits. Stubborn determination makes for no job. - Good for you.
Kratos624 3/16/2010 6:41:55 AM - Report Abuse

Hang on Dog S., I'll get you a bag to pick up that comment you just wrote.
Don S. 3/16/2010 12:28:17 AM - Report Abuse

What kind of pathetic organization is the 6500. All they do is bully and threaten to break laws. Here is a wake up call you can not stop the workers you have a court injuction already. You have security watching every worker who gives the new employees a hard time. Why does the crybaby union want job guarantees? Because half of the strikers are in a position to be disciplined for what they have done during the strike and the big bad union was behind them hooping it up . Ra RA ----opps sorry did not realize you could get fired for that......
noofie 3/15/2010 10:35:16 PM - Report Abuse

hey bigriver
I saw Fera at the Idyllwyld tonite enjoying their best entree and a middling bottle of wine.
Last month he was enjoying a lobster at the Fishbowl on LaSalle.

Ask him about it.
bigriver 3/15/2010 9:42:31 PM - Report Abuse

Fraser might be the one quoted in the article, but it is the union members who did the talking. Vale might crush our ore, but they'll never crush our determination.
Kratos624 3/15/2010 8:17:20 PM - Report Abuse

Right noofie, because I was the one who wrote "Kratos..that last blog is pathetic." Obviously you had nothing better to write to me because I wrote the truth. All Vale wants to do is take money OUT of Sudbury. The community they care so much about, they are willing to let suffer. You keep suggesting I am a union member, which I am not. So I guess you really don't have any leverage in any of your posts now.
noofie 3/15/2010 7:01:42 PM - Report Abuse

uh oh......here we go......like a true union exec......when logic fails, when there is no right answer to contradict an arguement, when you know you're wrong but don't have an alternative, make a personal attack!

Fera would be proud of you.
Do you know anyone with bloodhound pups for sale? Get one and follow the track back to sanity
Kratos624 3/15/2010 6:51:45 PM - Report Abuse

Can't have it both ways like YOUR romantic preferences right noofie? LOL
noofie 3/15/2010 6:05:16 PM - Report Abuse

Local 6500 Members
what Fraser has stated here is called a "self fulfilling prophecy". Don't be part or it. If you see this shxt going on, go the other way and get a witness who'll state that you weren't involved.

Kratos..that last blog is pathetic. Ask your clinic to increase the strength of your meds. Go up to Timmins (before the smelter and refinery guys come down here) and ask the miners up there how they feel about the Inco guys taking their job opportunities away because they'll work for scab wages and few benefits.......go the Thunder Bay and ask the miners getting off the plane from Musselwhite how they feel about scabbing Inco miners taking TB jobs......you can't have it both ways Chum
Kratos624 3/15/2010 5:29:31 PM - Report Abuse

Well isn't that just great, people from outside of Sudbury coming to SCAB Sudburian's jobs, and taking their earnings back out of Sudbury. Then instead of smelting the product here and paying local men and women to do it, they'll just boost the economy of another location. Looks like another winning decision by Vale to support the Sudbury it 'cares' so much about! Obviously this company cares nothing about Sudbury, and this just PROVES IT!
Phillip Morris 3/15/2010 4:40:47 PM - Report Abuse

Falconbridge has been sending its smelted products overseas for refining for decades bidzey.

Where have you been?
Gotta have my say 3/15/2010 4:29:38 PM - Report Abuse

Vicking04ca,Terrorizing the community. Give it up...LOL
bidzey 3/15/2010 3:51:59 PM - Report Abuse

article says...
---------
shipped to the company's Clydach Refinery in Wales
---------

I thought this was against Canadian policies, if this is really happening this company or our government as got to go!
kissmyaxe 3/15/2010 3:19:41 PM - Report Abuse

The only reason why this strike has gone on like it has is because Vale has been allowed to carry on production with little to no opposition for the last 8 months. Who with any authority has stepped in to help these guys out, honestly? Who? That's right NOBODY. Anything short of an occupation of that plant was a feeble attempt by the union to achieve a deal. You can't hammer out a labor dispute when the company in question pretty much just says "eff you" and carries on with NEW labor lol. Seriously Morris, who would give a damn about you on the internet if you refused to blog and someone could simply blog in your name? It would pretty much render you irrelevant wouldn't it? Same thing applies to the union.
viking04ca 3/15/2010 3:19:05 PM - Report Abuse

Wayne Fraser is advocating and supporting violence and lawlessness by these union thugs. He is openly aiding, abetting and counselling illegal activity and should be charged by the authorities.
The company and the law abiding citizens of Sudbury have a right to be protected against these lawless union thugs who are terrorizing this community.
Honest, hard working citizens are being threatened daily to display the terrorist signs, are being assaulted, having their property vandalized and afraid to leave their homes lest they are assaulted by these union terrorist thugs!
dougcrag 3/15/2010 2:56:43 PM - Report Abuse

Wayne if you and Fera had done your job properly.The working men and women would be back to work by now with a ,"livable,"contract.Instead you chose bluster and threats over logic and sober strategy.How can you justify bringing in a third party mediator?You and Fera cannot escape from that responsibility.Your job is to figure out how to get negotiations back on track.Not to rant and rave and possibly encourage more workers to break the law and get fired.
Phillip Morris 3/15/2010 2:20:20 PM - Report Abuse

"They won't allow contractors to go in past the picket lines,” Fraser is reported as saying"
-So you mean that THIS time? Or is that the same rhetoric as the last 1/2 dozen media releases? Followed by Vale dragging the union back to court and another embarrasing injunction loss by 6500?
Is this the same promise of intmimdation that has 3 members arrested and going to court for beating an innocent jogger? Or the other strikers that also were stood up to and fired for threats?
Fraser's hollow propaganda continues to spin comedy gold.
""We are sick and tired of foreign capitalists coming in and undermining the Canadian way of life
-Yeah, just like your AMERICAN union is calling the shots with it's idea of unionisim from the USA.

Pay attention 6500. The only quality digging you've done in respect to this company is the efficent holes you've put yourselves in. Every step of the way your union has broken its word. Fera, Fraser, and Gerard all said the strike would be over by the fall. They guaranteed Vale would be 'brought to their knees'. Promises of global solidarity that would choke out Vale. Thousands of Sudburians and unionists protesting in the streets. Nobody would cross the lines. INCO didn't have the balls or knowhow to start production. Signing bonuses and a landmark solidarity movement. You'd all be heroes......
8 months on, Vale's resolve is clear and strong. People have bypassed the Steelworkers and are reporting for work. Production IS starting. Vale is going on.
Vale promised startup in January. They delivered. Now they waited for your final "No". They promised full production by April.
Its gonna happen. With it all hopes of 6500 ever getting your jobs back. Congratulations! You sure made your point. You wanted to be a martyr. You've done it. All for the greed and egos of your American bosses. I'm sure the replacement workers will politely wave thanks on the way in.
Nobody Special 3/15/2010 1:58:25 PM - Report Abuse

bigriver... Vale is happy to pay replacement workers big bucks because replacement workers don't whine and cry like a bunch of spoiled little girls.
wallbanger 3/15/2010 12:29:43 PM - Report Abuse

The union have only got themselves to blame for whats happened. low productivity rates and a high sense of entitlement are a recipe for more misery.vale knows contracters have high productivity rates so they are sitting pretty. once those 700 laif off workers come from timmins vale will have a surplus of workers. and local 6500 members will be crying in there beer
expatriot 3/15/2010 12:17:02 PM - Report Abuse

So we are going to have violence on the picket line with the unions blessing and its the companies fault. Sorry Wayne you picked a loser and your boss in Pittsburg does not operate in the 21st century.
VoiceOfReason 3/15/2010 12:12:27 PM - Report Abuse

Right on, enjoy the protest then, fellas! Just don't whine and complain about how the big, bad banks are taking back houses and toys and how you need to access charities because you didn't save and prepare.
kissmyaxe 3/15/2010 11:40:09 AM - Report Abuse

I make much less than that and I completely agree with the Union, he's right, we should all be tired of foreign capitalists coming in and undermining the Canadian way of life. Take concessions now and you'll continue to take them, if they negotiate for a pinch now, they're never gonna get back what they had before the pinch. You don't notice the decline because it's done incrementally, bit by bit, corporations keep squeezing the noose tighter and tighter till the next thing you know you're choked out.

I don't buy into the economic tough times being a "sign of things to come" or a "changing of the times". The wealth of the planet sits with 1% of the world's population and the reason it's like this is because every time the economy implodes, the wealth gets transferred from the poor/middle class to the rich. No more clearer is that than with the bailouts of corporations and financial institutions using tax payer dollars. In free market capitalism, you sink or swim, nobody throws you a life line, you're not supposed to prop up failing institutions. And that is PRECISELY why the Union has to win this. Remember, Vale doesn't give a shit about this city we live in, they want what's beneath our feet, if they wanna take it, they have to pay unmercifully for it.
bigriver 3/15/2010 11:29:21 AM - Report Abuse

So why is Vale paying scabs $5000 a week? And to produce at a much lower rate than union workers? Is that the new standard for a fair wage?
VoiceOfReason 3/15/2010 11:13:42 AM - Report Abuse

Speak for yourself, Fraser. The Canadian way of life is an honest day's work for an honest day's pay. When you're talking about employees with annual earnings all north of 50k, nobody in the community slogging it out for 35 or 40 (or less) is going to feel sorry for you. The culture of entitlement is coming to an end, and the world is facing it's toughest economy in history. It's a tough realization to come to, but you'd better start accepting it.