Steelworkers vote today, tomorrow

Striking workers line up to vote at the Caruso Club today, March 11. Photo by Marg Seregelyi.

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...

Posted by: Dr.Phil

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Mar 11, 2010

By: Sudbury Northern Life Staff

NorthernLife.ca will be monitoring the Steelworkers Local 6500 vote today, March 11, and the Local 6200 vote (in Port Colborne) on March 12. Results will be posted when available.

The workers represented by the locals have been on strike for almost eight months, and are voting on a contract proposal put forward by Vale Inco. The union bargaining committee is recommending the contract be rejected.

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51 Comments

Dr.Phil 3/17/2010 2:14:58 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 maternaty 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 polaticians 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.
Phillip Morris 3/12/2010 5:02:57 AM - Report Abuse

Mr.noofie, Krat and other deflectors of our local operation's problems conveniently omit one vital part in the Thompson contract.
Thompson was NOT LOSING MONEY like the Sudbury Operations. Thompson did not lose $44 million in the last working financial 1/4 with its Steelworkers on the job.

Simply put, the Manitoba Division was given an offer that rewarded efficient production. Here, the legacy costs and mediocre work ethic, in combination with the antagonistic and greedy union required a more responsible bargaining approach.
6500 hasn't earned their contract. Notice how Gerard doesn't once try to compare the apples and oranges of the 2 units? There's a reason folks.
Notice how the DC pensions fully endorsed by other Steelworker locals, thoughout the globe haven't been talked about?
Sudbury was used as a pawn for the global solidarity movement by Gerard. It failed. He has nothing to lose. Being employed in the United States, paid and living full time in Pittsburgh. Fera and Fraser fell in line. Hoping for some brownie points and a reward down the way.
The casualties are the (former) rank-and-file that are being told this is a gallant Canadian struggle.
8 months, no pay. No end in sight. Shades of the CIBC and Goldcorp lost causes. The euphoria of a "NO" vote will fade with the knocking of the repo man at the door.

Replacement workers, get your workboots on.
NativeSun 3/12/2010 1:43:09 AM - Report Abuse

Dont worry, behappy. I'm sure if you go to the hall with
your spouse, your questions can be answered. Perhaps, they can straighten out for you, their every word you deem to say are twisted. Just curious, but could you please identify exactly who the greedy person was that asked for a 100,000. signing bonus.
Common sense would have prevented me from even considering describing Haiti as a horrible place to draw comparison as you have chosen to do.
Common sense also tells me that if you are who you profess to be, you and your spouse won't even be appearing at the hall.
noofie 3/12/2010 12:10:36 AM - Report Abuse

Kratos624
You should have asked your union steward this but I'm gonna explain it to you.
Thompson signed their contract quickly on Sept 12/08 (Tenative settlement). Although the nickel price was trending down and inventory was increasing, no one predicted or expected the collapse in the price that happened and nickel went through $5.00 in October.
If the Thompson agreement had not been reached when it was, the Vale Inco offer probably would have been withdrawn.
I can't believe you haven't checked into these things and just go around repeatedly asking the same dumb questions.....but I suppose that's what makes you a great union member.
BEHAPPY 3/11/2010 10:32:31 PM - Report Abuse

I wanted to experience and try to understand how USW members get so caught up on their every twisted word and to possibly ask some common sense questions. I was escorted out, no spouse's aloud, due to union bi-laws, I don't pay dues, but as a result my family and I have been paying in other ways as a result of this stike.

Yellow Page handed out at the meeting:
“#5 No Return-to-work protocol” Elimination of all lawsuits and all discipline and terminations. This I feel is the number one reason USW told you this was a terrible deal and to vote "NO". My understanding is that there are currently "9" members who fit in these two categories, and we all know some of them are on the bargaining committee, so called representing USW members, what a joke.
Did anyone ask the ? if this is why talks halted? USW probably said they beat the crap out of the guy to protect you, our brothers and systems. THEY SHOULD NOT be aloud to return to work for the safety of the 6500 members who want to work. I don’t get it, they want to continue to get paid and be employees based on extremely radical behavior.

#2 under unresolved Issues - wages not reflective of a six-year deal or an eight-month strike. You should not be rewarded for a strike we originally chose. Do you think after another 8 months, they Vale will come back with a $100,000 signing bonus. GREEDY!!!!

I'm ticked at the lack of common sense with USW, it's not a horrible deal, HAITI is horrible.
You can be guaranteed, as a spouse with common sense (and a job that I make enough $$$ to support my family). I’d like to arrange a meeting with Fera, Fraser, I’ll take on the other also to ask legitimate questions. I’m reasonable and not afraid, but would be respected to at least be heard.
makeapoint_1 3/11/2010 9:58:42 PM - Report Abuse

can i sum this all up in 4 words .... YOU ARE ALL idiots !
tigerclaw 3/11/2010 9:25:10 PM - Report Abuse

We will soon all be regretting the lies Fera and Fraser said during the meeting. The word twisting really got to me. I have to hand it to them tho, they DO know that most of the membership are simple minded enough to believe the garbage they spewed. I never would have believed it if i never saw it for myself. According to some i talked to they think over a thousand will be layed off as soon as we sign. Bunch of morons. This town is now doomed. Time to find work elsewhere. Idiots.
tigerclaw 3/11/2010 9:22:29 PM - Report Abuse

Kratos, im not sure if your a member or not so ill take it your not from your wrong info. When Thompson signed, it was not rock bottom prices for nickel. They signed sept 15 and nickel was over 7 bucks, it hit rock bottom months later. I cant believe you constantly report wrong information.
harryRsole_2 3/11/2010 9:04:44 PM - Report Abuse

good bye 6500
tick tock tick tock
Kratos624 3/11/2010 8:39:45 PM - Report Abuse

If the 'recession' is the reason why the Union should vote 'yes' to this contract, because Vale needs the concessions, why is it that Thompson Operations signed their contract with added wages, and no concessions during the absolute ROCK BOTTOM of the recession. Pretty sure that Nickel is WAY higher now then it was then, and stocks are going down more and more every day. There is no reason for concessions, just a GREEDY pied-piper company followed by their greedy rats like Phillip Morris, and Noofie, and all the other Pro-Vale dimwits, with their feed the rich and bury the poor attitudes. Too bad once the strike is finished all of you A.F.I peeping toms, and Vale Bloggers will WISH you had a Union to back you up as the USW would, while you are all getting laid off!
alliswell 3/11/2010 8:35:56 PM - Report Abuse

we did vote 8 months ago you moron
CCNR@IPC 3/11/2010 8:21:03 PM - Report Abuse

Great Meeting fellow USW Brothers/Sisters.
Our vote will be know by Eleven tonight..
It will be a day to be on the picket line!
Seamus 3/11/2010 8:13:30 PM - Report Abuse

"Anyone who votes yes for this offer means that this 8 month strike was a complete waste of time and money."
You got that right.
Then why didn't you vote eight months ago?
That's right. You weren't allowed to because big brother said you couldn't.
noofie 3/11/2010 8:08:19 PM - Report Abuse

@boyjoe
Voting yes for this offer means you have a good chance of returning to the best job you ever had.
It means you followed the advice of your union leaders and made a mistake.
It means you gambled and lost.
It means you realize you have no better chance of making a good living in Sudbury.
Voting no means you think Fera is smarter than you.
harryRsole_2 3/11/2010 7:40:39 PM - Report Abuse

Contractors, start your engines
after today it's full speed ahead
it's show time baby
bye bye 6500
harryRsole_2 3/11/2010 7:40:13 PM - Report Abuse

Good-Bye 6500
your days are numbered :)
Karma is coming
alliswell 3/11/2010 7:32:17 PM - Report Abuse

i believe everyone has the right to vote how they please. as for me i could be on my last dime and would have still voted no. i am not a big union guy, ive only worked at inco since 07. never been in a union before, but i see the better side in this fight and im not about to watch what people have fought for and died for for decades go down the toilet.
boyjoe 3/11/2010 7:31:28 PM - Report Abuse

Anyone who votes yes for this offer means that this 8 month strike was a complete waste of time and money. After a 8 month strike this offer is not acceptable, actually this offer would not have been acceptable 8 months ago.
Seamus 3/11/2010 7:28:16 PM - Report Abuse

Well I see that one USWA contract was approved today.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/USW-Local-689-Membership-bw-1573702307.html?x=0&.v=1
You might note that it is a very unhealthy nuclear reclamation facility.
"The site will be moving from cold shutdown to decontamination and decommissioning work"
Checked their pay scale. A top engineer makes between 78 and 82 thousand a year. A junior engineer makes not quite 30K a year.
Of course that's in US dollars.
alliswell 3/11/2010 7:26:45 PM - Report Abuse

i dont think any convincing is needed. the offer speaks for itself
Livelyboy87 3/11/2010 7:24:09 PM - Report Abuse

I hear ya, I was just quoting some definitions.. I say take whatever you can get and look out for yourself..... I just hope that you are not trying convince others to vote NO....
Ginger_1 3/11/2010 7:23:22 PM - Report Abuse

CCNR@IPC ...I'm not embarrassed in the least. I just notice what is said, and how its said. And what I see is intimidation, pure and simple. A Union with a grudge.
alliswell 3/11/2010 7:13:03 PM - Report Abuse

having my own business does not make me a scab. it makes me a survivor.
alliswell 3/11/2010 7:11:08 PM - Report Abuse

well if there was an anti scab law in ontario like there should be then this strike would have been over a long time ago and people would not have to work elsewhere. tit for tat
Livelyboy87 3/11/2010 7:01:59 PM - Report Abuse

Alliswell, that makes you a scab and a worthless piece of garbage... sorry not my definition but anyone that profits from a strike like you just stated that you do, makes you a SCAB...
Kiki1981 3/11/2010 6:59:03 PM - Report Abuse

Why don't you read what Noofie wrote and maybe that might trigger something, it is truly not rocket science.
alliswell 3/11/2010 6:58:12 PM - Report Abuse

where am i dreaming
Kiki1981 3/11/2010 6:51:11 PM - Report Abuse

It's nice you dream big...good for you :)
alliswell 3/11/2010 6:50:11 PM - Report Abuse

well you better work harder if you want to buy my house dirt cheap then
Kiki1981 3/11/2010 6:47:31 PM - Report Abuse

I know I work a damn good job and can afford my things...I don't need to move cause I don't have this thing in a time like this called "greed" thanks though
alliswell 3/11/2010 6:44:24 PM - Report Abuse

they can go right ahead and move on without me, i have nothing to lose anyway, i have actuallygained from this. i have a great new business making money plus ei plus strike pay. only sad part by october i lose my ei. oh well
Kiki1981 3/11/2010 6:39:27 PM - Report Abuse

Noofie words from my mouth!!!!!!
noofie 3/11/2010 6:36:14 PM - Report Abuse

I can't believe I'm going to say this but it's the truth.

If you voted "No" on this offer, you're STUPID. You're going to cost yourself a career for the sake of the USW exec who will continue on without you......and when the contractors take over, (they're mostly members of the USW so) Pittsburgh will be collecting dues from them and know its steady income because of your sacrifices which will ensure the contractors don't get into a pixxing contest with Vale Inco.
Meanwhile, you'll be collecting welfare or flipping burgers talking about how it was "in the day" but you'll only be 25 years old.......fools!!!!!!
alliswell 3/11/2010 6:31:05 PM - Report Abuse

good thing i am making more money now then i was at inco or i would have had to vote yes
Kiki1981 3/11/2010 6:24:29 PM - Report Abuse

No
alliswell 3/11/2010 6:21:50 PM - Report Abuse

by the way is that pam
alliswell 3/11/2010 6:21:01 PM - Report Abuse

ya good luck with that
Kiki1981 3/11/2010 6:10:32 PM - Report Abuse

Yeah smart move guys vote NO in a recession....I can't wait to buy your home for dirt cheao when you can't afford it anymore!!!!!
Seamus 3/11/2010 6:02:40 PM - Report Abuse

Hey if you need a few dollars to tide yourself over you can always approach the son of VALES former CEO.
http://www.reuters.com/article/idAFN1122235020100311?rpc=44
Maybe he can even show you the proper use of that speedboat toy before you have to sell it.
J. Smith_125 3/11/2010 5:50:39 PM - Report Abuse

Let the foreclosures begin!
J. Smith_125 3/11/2010 5:50:04 PM - Report Abuse

But your fighting for the community aren't you? That's the union line.................................
alliswell 3/11/2010 5:39:48 PM - Report Abuse

i think everyone who has nothing to do with this strike should just mind their own business, your negative comments are not needed, just please GO AWAY!
CCNR@IPC 3/11/2010 5:37:36 PM - Report Abuse

Ginger, you are referring to what?
Us being accused of Murder? so says some fool below?

We thrive on fear?

Please stop talking, you are embarrassing yourself!
Ginger_1 3/11/2010 5:32:33 PM - Report Abuse

So you Union guys even try to intimidate us who speak anonymously online? And then you have the nerve to say Vale is using intimidation tactics. You thrive on fear..and your leaders do too, and they love the power they hold over normally reasonable people.
At this point, its all about the jobs...you want them or not?
CCNR@IPC 3/11/2010 5:23:32 PM - Report Abuse

alliswell, well said..

Can you believe the names that "clown" used?
From the safety of his mommies basement apartment, he throws them barbs!
CCNR@IPC 3/11/2010 5:21:49 PM - Report Abuse

Congrats on voting NO..
With the huge majority of us voting No, the bargaining committee will have more leverage when they get back to bargaining!
No one will be left standing, we all go back together!
Great job camoman
alliswell 3/11/2010 5:08:15 PM - Report Abuse

people sure are brave behind a computer screen
viking04ca 3/11/2010 5:03:13 PM - Report Abuse

Guess the west end is shut down and hardworking people are locked in their homes fearing for their safety. The thugs have taken over this end of the city. It will be great when this is all over and we can all go about our business without the fear of being murdered, attacked or having our homes and property vandalized.
Phillip Morris 3/11/2010 4:59:04 PM - Report Abuse

You're serious camo? You voted no and committed employment and economic suicide?
8 months from now, the strike will be long redundant. If the brave, self-thinking family oriented members vote properly, the YES side will take back your union.

A NO faction victory will give Vale the ammunition they need to proceed without you guys. You're playing yourselves right out of work. All Inco has to do is point to how the union was given a fair deal and one last chance.
Today will be the last of 'good days' for 6500 if you guys don't do the right thing. Friday will be the dawn of an entire new age in labour relations in this city. A black day where a once proud and respected local either caves in and kicks out its misguided leaders, or starts a death spiral with a never ending strike.
ITS OVER.
6500miner 3/11/2010 4:49:58 PM - Report Abuse

Are two sentences really newsworthy? Especially since many other news articles have already mentioned today's vote. Cripes!
camoman 3/11/2010 4:22:55 PM - Report Abuse

I talked to a "very high up" staff person the other day....
He was trying to tell me the benefits of voting yes today....
We had a good conversation and at the end of it all I told him that my resolve is stronger now than it was when we started this B.S. strike, and that I've been holding this line for 8 months now, and I have no problem holding it for another 8 months, or more....
I voted No today.....
Talked to a guy that voted yes....
I smiled and said "well at least my NO vote cancels your yes vote"...
It was a good day today....