Steelworkers Host World's Top Mine Rescue Specialists

SUDBURY,ON, Aug. 24, 2016 /CNW/ - The United Steelworkers (USW) will host an appreciation dinner Thursday for mine rescue workers from around the world, becoming the first trade union sponsor of the International Mines Rescue Competition.

"The International Mines Rescue Competition is like the Olympics for these mining health and safety specialists," said USW National Director Ken Neumann.

"It's an honour for the Steelworkers to be the first union sponsor of this prestigious event and to recognize the tremendous skills and dedication of mine rescue experts from around the world," Neumann said.

The 2016 International Mines Rescue Competition (IMRC) has attracted 28 teams from 13 countries to Sudbury this week. The competition, held every two years, promotes training through high-level competition and draws mine rescue specialists from many of the world's biggest mining centres. It is the first time the IMRC has been held in Canada.

Hundreds of team members, officials, judges and dignitaries will attend the 2016 IMRC Appreciation Dinner on Thursday at the United Steelworkers Hall in Sudbury.

"We are proud to join IMRC organizers, community leaders and local volunteers in welcoming international mine rescue workers to Canada and specifically to Sudbury, one of the world's great mining centres," said Rick Bertrand, President of USW Local 6500 in Sudbury.

"The United Steelworkers is Canada's mining union and our members are justifiably proud of our legacy of commitment and achievement in fighting for safe workplaces for all," said USW Ontario Director Marty Warren.

"We are proud to be IMRC sponsors and to recognize the unique contribution to health and safety made by mine rescue teams in other countries as well," Warren said.

Other labour leaders joining Neumann and Warren at Thursday's IMRC dinner will include Sudbury native and Steelworkers International President Leo W. Gerard, USW Western Canada Director Stephen Hunt and Napoleon Gomez, President and General Secretary of the National Union of Mine, Metal and Steelworkers of Mexico (Los Mineros).

Thursday's event begins at 7 p.m. at the Steelworkers Hall, 66 Brady St.

SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW)

Ken Neumann, USW National Director, 416-544-5951; Marty Warren, USW Director for Ontario and Atlantic Canada, 416-243-8792; Nancy Hutchison, USW National Safety, Health and Environment Leader, 647-403-9799, [email protected]; Bob Gallagher, USW Communications, 416-544-5966, 416-434 2221, [email protected]