Striking Steelworkers, IOC might go back to table
The crowds started arriving more than half an hour before the start of a planned rally to support striking Steelworkers at the Iron Ore Company of Canada.
Ron Thomas, president of USW Local 5795, spoke at the rally and told the crowd that Monday afternoon the union executive received a call from IOC, and meetings are to be held in an effort to get talks going again.
Thomas didn’t have a lot of details, but he did tell members he would keep them updated as events unfold.
The event was organized by the district labour council and attended by members of the many unions in the area, as well as residents who wanted who to show their support for the strikers, whose strike now enters its second week.
At 5 p.m. people carrying banners, flags and signs marched to the picket line at the main gate to show their support to the members of Local 5795 and Local 6731.
Fabian Benoit, who is president of the district labour council, thanked the many people who came out to show their support and introduced the guest speakers.
Just before things got underway, Benoit reminded people that this was a community event, and he asked for a minute’s silence in respect for the people of Humboldt, Sask., for those who lost their lives and were injured in last Friday’s bus crash, and those who must deal with the tragedy.
This followed with greetings from Wabush Mayor Ron Barron and NAPE western area board member Rhonda White. White represents all of western Newfoundland and all of Labrador and the various NAPE locals in the area.
Also bringing greetings were Jamie Patterson, president of CUPW 072, Marcie Brown, president of Local 6185 of the Steelworkers, Tony Reccord, president of Local 6731 of the Steelworkers, Mike Clark USW international rep for Labrador West, Lawrence Mckay, USW Atlantic co-ordinator; and Ron Thomas, president of USW Local 5795.
In speech after speech, striking workers were told they have full support from the many unions and citizens in the area.
Mckay told the crowd the overwhelming support of the community is sending a clear message to the company that they will support the workers until they get an offer they consider fair.
Thomas, the final speaker, drew loud cheers and applause as he addressed the group, saying with young and old, there is solidarity in the workforce, and it will stay that way.
He also said with such a strong strike vote and strong community support, the company will see the solidarity of the workers and the town.
His news that they will talk with IOC drew thunderous applause from the workers and their supporters, who chanted “one day longer, one day stronger,” as the crowd slowly dispersed.