Vale workers voted unanimously against the proposed new contract, according to the Associated Press. This is the first strike since Vale Inco took over Inco’s Sudbury operations, and many locals feel it will be a long one. The union has recently made comments regarding Vale Inco’s operations as being “Third-world.” All bantering and posturing aside, the outcome and fall-out from this strike will be crucial for the city of Sudbury, and Canada as a whole, as it will demonstrate how the municipal, provincial, and federal governments deal with a foreign company in a situation such as this. This strike will also set a precedent for how the upcoming Xstrata (February) contract negotiations (aka strike, as many miners are making it sound) will play out. This writer can only hope that the city of Sudbury rallies behind the striking workers, and demonstrates their support for them in full force, in whatever capacity it is being asked of them. It is interesting Vale Inco is pushing the workers into a strike, considering they made more profit in the last two years then INCO did in the 10 years preceding those, isn’t it?

Be strong workers, I’m happy you did not cave in to such a ridiculous contract offer. This strike may get long, but hopefully Sudbury residents can carry you on their back until this company offers a realistic contract to their workers.