Steelworkers ratify 5-year deal with Vale in Sudbury, Port Colborne

Vale Canada & USW Local 6500 ratify a 5-year deal, averting a labour disruption in Sudbury. USW reports a nearly 88% turnout & more than 75% voting in favour.

A new five-year collective agreement has been ratified between Vale Canada Limited and United Steelworkers Local 6500, covering more than 3,000 employees at operations in Sudbury and Port Colborne.

The agreement takes effect June 1 and was approved by 75.7 per cent of voting members, with 87.7 per cent of the local’s membership casting ballots.

‘Positive step forward’

United Steelworkers Local 6500 described the contract as bringing “historic gains” to its members and their families while providing stability to the workplace and the broader community.

“This agreement is an important and positive step forward as we continue to build a globally competitive business for the future,” said Gord Gilpin, director of Vale Base Metals’ Ontario Operations, in a news release Friday night.

“By working together, we are laying the foundation for a stronger company – one that is grounded in respect, powered by our people, and focused on delivering long-term value for our employees, our communities, and our stakeholders.”

Details of the contract not released

Neither Vale nor the union released specific details of the agreement beyond its five-year duration.

Both sides said the bargaining process was marked by a respectful and collaborative approach.

“Their thoughtful and constructive approach has led to an outcome that supports a stronger workplace and reinforces our commitment to a respectful and positive working environment,” Vale said in its release.

The contract also applies to Steelworkers Local 6200, which represents about 100 workers at Vale’s refinery site in Port Colborne, Ont.

Vale remains one of Sudbury’s largest employers. The company operates five mines, a mill, a smelter and a refinery in the region – including one of the largest integrated mining complexes in the world, producing nickel, copper, cobalt, gold, silver and platinum group metals.