Vale workers took to the picket lines Tuesday for the first time in a dozen years after rejecting a tentative deal reached by their union and the company.
“Our membership spoke and they are bringing the message back that concessions are not acceptable,” said Kevin Boyd, vice-president with USW 6500. “And very clearly, a lot of it is in benefits.”
Among the more unpopular changes outlined in the new five-year contract are the removal of retiree health benefits for any new hire and the elimination of over-the-counter drug coverage (except for life-sustaining medication).
Members also feel the wage increases — 0.5 per cent in each of the first two years and one per cent over each of the remaining three — are meagre given current market conditions and the company’s profits, and would have preferred to see a bigger boost to pensions.
According to the agreement, the monthly benefit for workers (with 30 or more years of employment) on the defined pension plan would grow by $100 over the course of the contract, increasing by $50 after one year and by the same amount after four.
“Members are very disappointed in the minimal increases and the offer overall,” said Boyd, who was not at the table for the negotiations. “The concessions are not acceptable, especially during good times. What would we expect when times are tough?”
Boyd noted 87 per cent of Local 6500 members voted Monday on the proposed contract and 70 per cent rejected it, so the decision to strike has a strong majority behind it.
He described the mood of the Steelworkers on Tuesday as “inspired and ready. They’re united.”
Source : https://www.thesudburystar.com/news/local-news/vale-steel-remain-in-talks-as-workers-picket