Vale is pleased to announce that a new five-year collective bargaining agreement with United Steelworkers (USW) Local 6500 was ratified in voting Tuesday evening. This ends the labour disruption that began June 1, 2021.

USW Local 6500 members voted 85% in favour of the new five-year deal. The new agreement takes effect immediately.

“The last two months have been challenging for everyone,” said Dino Otranto, Chief Operating Officer, North Atlantic Operations. “We are pleased that the company and the union were able to find common ground and a path forward. We look forward to welcoming everyone back.

“Our task now is to position our business to thrive today and for generations to come.  We have many opportunities ahead of us, with the growing electric vehicle market. The nickel, copper and cobalt we produce are critical metals to achieving a low carbon future. What we produce, and how we produce it, matters and our collective success going forward will require collaboration to make this business successful for us all. I’m confident that together, we will find our way.”

Vale employees return to work the week of August 9, with production ramping up in the weeks ahead.

According to Sudbury.com, one the bargaining team said includes significant monetary improvements for existing members and preserves retiree health benefits for all future hires.

The new five-year tentative agreement comes with a $2,500 recognition payment in recognition for efforts during the pandemic, to be paid this month.

It also comes with a $3,500 signing bonus, to be paid in September.

Wages will increase by a minimum of six per cent over the five year contract, with 1.5 per cent in the first year, plus an 82-cent cost-of-living allowance. Wages will increase by one per cent plus a 41-cent cost-of-living allowance in the second year, another one per cent plus a 41-cent cost-of-living allowance in the third year, another one per cent plus a 41-cent cost-of-living allowance in the fourth year, and another 1.5 per cent plus a 41-cent cost-of-living allowance in the fifth year.