Calgary Steelworkers Respond to Evraz Attacks with 100% Strike Vote
CALGARY, June 15, 2017 /CNW/ - Members of United Steelworkers (USW) Local 6673 at Evraz Calgary have voted 100% in favour of strike action in response to the company's outrageous concessionary demands.
The vote at Evraz Calgary follows a similarly strong strike vote at Evraz Regina at the end of last month. Despite the union's attempt to negotiate a fair collective agreement, Evraz management has launched an unprecedented attack on the working conditions of its own employees.
"Evraz management is playing an extremely dangerous game," says USW Western Canada Director Stephen Hunt. "Despite being an extremely profitable company, Evraz is trying to squeeze out even more money by attacking the long-standing benefits of workers, retirees and surviving spouses. This reckless approach to its own employees has resulted in two of its worksites being in strike position at the same time. "
Evraz Calgary is a critical supplier to the North American energy market, specializing in oil and gas well casing, tubing, heat treating and EVRlock connections.
"Whether it's in Calgary or Regina, Steelworkers do the hard work that makes Evraz profitable and all they are looking for in return is a fair deal that respects their work. Instead, Evraz management has declared war on its own employees," says Keith Turcotte, USW Staff Representative.
"At a critical time for Evraz, management has chosen to go down an irresponsible path that our members simply will not accept. As a result, we now have two Evraz locals in strike positions with rock-solid support. It's time for Evraz management to re-think its approach and negotiate a fair collective agreement."
USW Local 6673 represents nearly 300 members at Evraz Calgary.
SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW)
Stephen Hunt, USW Director, 604-816-2554; Keith Turcotte, USW Staff Representative, 403-999-6162, [email protected]
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