Steelworkers Target BC Liberal MLAs on Temporary Foreign Worker Issue

BURNABY, BC, Nov. 16, 2012 /CNW/ - The United Steelworkers (USW) is kicking off a series of protests at B.C. Liberal MLA constituency offices to highlight public opposition to the use of temporary foreign workers in B.C. mines.

USW members gathered outside of the Langley office of Minister for Mining Rich Coleman today in the first in a series of protests that will travel to every corner of the province over the next month.

USW Western Canadian Director Steve Hunt says the union has been inundated with calls from members of the public who are outraged over the provincial government's support of hiring imported workers from China over British Columbians and Canadians.

"It's a sad day when B.C.'s provincial government refuses to stand up for B.C. jobs for B.C. workers," says Hunt.

"Christy Clark is spending $15 million of taxpayers' money on paid advertising to promote her so-called Jobs Plan.  The reality is that the only jobs she's creating are not for British Columbians.  This government should be ashamed of itself for misleading the public."

Hunt says the union is turning up the heat on B.C. Liberal MLAs who are remaining silent while their government sides with Chinese-owned mining companies over B.C. workers.

"We are only six months away from a provincial election and voters are going to be looking very carefully at this issue.  The silence from B.C. Liberal MLAs speaks volumes, so we're going to be coming to them and calling attention to their government's sellout of B.C. workers," says Hunt.

SOURCE: United Steelworkers (USW)

Steve Hunt, Director
604-816-2554

Brad West, USW Communications
604-754-1174