BY MICHAEL JAMES
With the Inco strike now approaching its third month, the unionized workers at Falconbridge Ltd. are reaching out and extending a helping hand to their brothers and sisters walking the picket line.
In a joint news release issued by the United Steelworkers of America Local 2020 and Mine Mill CAW Local 598, union membership has pledged to support Local 6500 members through a number of financial initiatives.
?We received their support in 2000/2001,? said Local 598 president Rick Grylls. ?Supporting our brothers and sisters in their stand for a fair and just contract is what solidarity is about.?
Both unions are sponsoring suppers at the Steelworkers? Hall for the striking workers and their families. Mine Mill CAW sponsored a supper last week, and USWA Local 2020 will be sponsoring a supper this Wednesday, Aug. 20.
Mine Mill CAW also made a $3,000 financial donation to the USWA Local 6500 strike fund, and has pledged an additional $1,000 monthly.
For its part, USWA Local 2020 is donating school supply packages for the children of workers currently on strike, on an as needed basis. Both unions will also be taking a plant gate collection at all access points to Falconbridge property during the last week of August.
?The employees represented by USWA Local 2020 realize that the Inco strike is something that affects not only the striking workers and their families, but the entire community,? said Local 2020 OCT unit chair Myles Sullivan. ?We will be there for them today, tomorrow and right to the end of their labour dispute.?
The money raised at the collection will be presented to the Local 6500 strike committee Sept.1 during Labour Day festivities. Scheduled to commence at 10 am, the Labour Day parade will set out from Memorial Park and wind its way through downtown Sudbury. A social get-together will follow from noon to 6 pm at the Mine Mill campgrounds.