Sending Back Temporary Foreign Workers Is a Chance to Do Right by Canadian Workers

BURNABY, BC, Jan. 29, 2013 /CNW/ - The United Steelworkers (USW) is reiterating its demand that Canadian workers be hired for jobs at a northern British Columbia coal mine, following news that HD Mining is returning temporary foreign workers it had initially imported from China.

"We've said from the very beginning that we believe these jobs should go to Canadian workers," says Stephen Hunt, USW Director for Western Canada.

"Over the course of this scandalous decision to utilize temporary foreign workers, it was demonstrated time and time again that there are plenty of Canadians who are ready and able to take on this type of work. In fact, even HD Mining had to admit that it had received hundreds of applications from Canadians to work in this mine," Hunt says.

"Now the company has the opportunity to proceed with this mine, but to do it right, by employing Canadian workers. Our union is proud of our support for the mining industry and we continue to be ready to assist the company find the miners needed to operate it."

Hunt says that HD Mining should review the applications it received from Canadians and extend offers to those workers to fill needed positions. The company also should properly advertise the job postings, he adds.

The United Steelworkers is the largest mining union in British Columbia and Canada. The union has mounted a vigorous campaign to ensure Canadian workers are given the opportunity to work in the mining sector and that where a shortage of workers exists, foreign workers are brought to the country as immigrants with a path to citizenship.

SOURCE: United Steelworkers (USW)

Contacts:

Stephen Hunt, Director, 604-816-2554
Brad West, USW Communications, 604-754-1174