Canadian union calls for action against Xstrata
The Canadian Auto Workers' union (CAW) is calling on the Canadian government to investigate international mining company Xstrata over cutbacks in northern Ontario. The company has announced plans to shut down its copper and zinc plants in Timmins Kidd (and relocate to Quebec) in early May, a move that will likely result in the loss of almost seven hundred jobs. The union believes that Xstrata has little reason to close the Timmins plants. Under Canadian law, foreign companies operating in the country can be investigated and forced to change if their work ceases to bring a net benefit to Canada. The union cites this law, saying that Xstrata should not be allowed to operate locally if it is not creating local jobs. The union asks that the government postpone the plant closings until a full investigation can be conducted.
See "Canadian union calls for action against Xstrata", Reuters, February 7, 2010