The Canadian United Steelworkers Union filed a complaint yesterday against the Inco unit of Brazilian mining company Vale. The complaint alleges that the unit has refused to enter into negotiations that could end the six month long strike by some 3,000 workers that is ongoing in Sudbury, Ontario. The steelworkers suit follows a statement made by Vale earlier this week that said operations would start up in part with non-union workers again next week. If the complaint is successful, the Inco unit will be forced to go to the bargaining table with the Steelworker's union. The two sides have not met collectively since the strike began in mid-July. Additionally, the union is seeking compensation pay, as it has been paying strike-pay to workers since July.
See "Canadian union files labor complaint against Vale", Cameron French, Reuters, January 13, 2010