Media Advisory - Union Support to Converge at Sudbury March 22nd Rally

SUDBURY, ON, March 22 /CNW/ - Union representatives from Brazil and a number of countries will converge on Sudbury this Monday, March 22nd to demonstrate solidarity and support of the Vale Inco strikers.

Many of the union leaders coming to Canada have experience in their own country with the strong-arm anti-union tactics of Vale, one of the most profitable multinational corporations in the world.

As the eight month strike continues, Vale's aggressive tactics in Sudbury have increased. The most recent is Vale Inco's CEO publicly accusing the union of spreading "racism, intolerance and xenophobia." This verbal attack follows Vale's use of replacement workers and a security company to start-up production for the first time in Sudbury's history.

    
    WHAT:     "Bridging the Gap" Rally
              International Support Rally for Striking Steelworkers

    WHO:      International Union Leaders, including from:
                 -  Brazil, Indonesia, Australia, Germany, Switzerland
                 -  The International Federation of Unions (ICEM)
                 -  The International Metalworkers Federation (IMF)

              Canadian Union Leaders, including:
                 -  Ken Georgetti, Sid Ryan, Leo Gerard, Ken Neumann,
                    Wayne Fraser, John Fera, Wayne Rae

              Political Leaders, including:
                 -  Andrea Horwath, Leader, Ontario NDP
                 -  Glenn Thibeault and Claude Gravelle, Area MPs

              Busloads of everyday workers from across the province,
              organized by:
                 -  the OFL, CUPE, CAW, CEP, Amalgamated Transit Union,
                    LIUNA and the Society of Professional Engineers

    WHEN:     Monday, March 22nd, 4:30 pm

    WHERE:    Sudbury ON, USW Union Hall (66 Brady Street)
              March to proceed to Sudbury Arena
    

For further information: Myles Sullivan, [phone] x224, [email protected]; Jamie West, [phone], [email protected]