Since being privatized in 1997, the global mining giant Vale has
unleashed a vicious attack on workers. The company undermined health
and safety standards in Brazil and now it's set its sights on Canada.
In 2009 negotiations with the United Steelworkers (USW), Vale claimed
it needed deep concessions - despite making over $13 billion (USD) in
2008 net profits. The company. s strategy is to divide and conquer by
undermining seniority and providing lesser benefits to new employees.
3,500 members of the USW rejected Vale. s demands and went on strike in
mid-July. Vale has since announced it will hire replacement workers and
force other union members to do the work of the striking miners.
Meanwhile Vale workers throughout Brazil are struggling to hold
on to jobs, earn a living wage, achieve minimum standards for safe
working conditions, and guarantee basic labor rights. Vale employees
and their unions in Brazil and Canada are fighting back together,
reaching out to workers in a global campaign for fair treatment at
Vale. |
Where we stand > News & Comment >