30 October, 2009Canadian and Brazilian workers at global mining company Vale are fighting for decent wages, conditions and a FAIR DEAL. The IMF and ICEM are joining forces with the United Steelworkers (USW) in a global campaign to prevent Brazilian mining giant Vale from eroding working conditions and denying basic labour rights at Vale operations worldwide.
3500 USW members in Sudbury and Port Colborne, Canada have been on strike since 13 July after the company would only accept to renew their collective agreement if workers agreed to a drastic reduction in conditions and increased job insecurity. Despite having made US$13.2 billion profit last year, Vale is insisting on creating a two-tiered pension plan, slashing the nickel bonus and seriously damaging seniority rights, while bringing in replacement workers to continue production. USW members at Voisey's Bay joined the strike on 1 August.
Vale workers face similar struggles in other parts of the world. In Brazil, workers are fighting for basic labour rights, a living wage, and minimum standards for safe working conditions.
If Vale is successful in taking away rights from workers in Canada and Brazil, it will encourage the company to take the same approach around the globe.
From Germany and Sweden to Korea, New Caledonia to Indonesia and Mozambique, unions around the world are calling on Vale to make a Fair Deal NOW and respect basic labour rights at all of its operations around the world.