Federal politicians of all stripes have come out swinging in response to the recent announcement that Xstrata Nickel would trim 686 permanent jobs from its Sudbury workforce.
Representing both Sudbury and Nickel Belt respectively, NDP's Glenn Thibeault and Claude Gravelle both assailed the federal government for its inaction in protecting the jobs.
Eight bus loads full of Xstrata Nickel union employees will be travelling to Parry Sound Feb 19 to visit Industry Minister Tony Clement's office while he's in India.
Dwight Harper, president of Local 598 CAW Mine Mill says the union wants the government to demand Xstrata live up to the contract agreement signed two-and-a-half years ago that stipulates no layoffs for three years.
Harper intends on “pursuing our rights with Industry Canada.”
“We will continue supporting our fellows until we get paid.”
Clement phoned Ken Lewenza, president of CAW for a meeting, although it is unsure when it will take place.
In the meantime, momentum is gaining within the ranks as a petition is being passed around stating the company's value in the last couple of years and a demand the government stick up for Xstrata union employees.
If not, they want the government to nationalize the mine and run it as a public company.
Clement held discussions with Xstrata officials in the beginning of February that apparently resulted in promises to spend between (US) $290 million and US$390 million in the Sudbury area over the next two years.
This includes $250 million to bring the Sudbury-area Nickel Rim South mine into full production by 2010, and as much as $101 million to study and potentially develop the Fraser Morgan project.
However, critics have retorted that most if not all of that money was already going to be spent by Xstrata, even prior to such talks.
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