Media Advisory - Solidarity Bus Trip Travels to Quebec to Support Locked-Out Rio Tinto Workers

TORONTO, March 2, 2012 /CNW/ - On March 5, a solidarity bus trip of 50 Toronto Steelworkers arrives in Alma, Quebec, to support 800 members of USW Local 9490, locked out by Rio Tinto.

The Steelworkers Toronto Area Council organized the solidarity bus trip to stand with the Alma workers who are fighting back against Rio Tinto, rejecting its demands to replace good, unionized jobs with non-union, low-paid labour at Alma's massive aluminum smelter.

"We must respond to this attack on communities and Rio Tinto's attempt to end good jobs for future generations," said Steelworkers Toronto Area Council President Carolyn Egan. "That's why we're travelling to Alma, Quebec. So we can stand with our brothers and sisters and their families and bring them support on behalf of 13,000 Steelworkers in the Greater Toronto Area."

Rio Tinto illegally locked out 780 members of the United Steelworkers at its smelter in Alma, Quebec on December 31, 2011.

The USW has launched a global campaign against Rio Tinto's attacks on workers, a campaign that has already drawn incredible financial support and solidarity from unions and social organizations from around the world.

WHAT:	Solidarity Bus Trip of Toronto Steelworkers
WHEN:	10:30 a.m., Monday, March 5
WHERE:	USW Local 9490 union office
	830 Rue des Pins Ouest, Alma, Quebec

www.usw.ca/riotinto

Carolyn Egan, Steelworkers Toronto Area Council, [email protected] 416-806-7985
Stuart Deans, United Steelworkers [email protected] 647-226-8792
Bob Gallagher, United Steelworkers [email protected] 416-434-2221