The United Steelworkers welcomes an agreement by Vale Canada to supply General Motors with battery nickel sulfate for the manufacture of electric vehicles.The nickel that Vale will supply to General Motors will be mined in Canada, at Vale's mining operations in Sudbury  Voisey's Bay and Thompson by union members Steelworkers. The nickel can then be sent to a processing plant in Bécancour, Quebec.

“Steelworkers are essential members of the communities in which we live. As a union, we strive to support our communities, which is made possible when our jobs are supported,” said Nick Larochelle, President of Steelworkers Local 6500.

The Steelworkers represent nearly 5,000 Canadian members who are employed by Vale. In Sudbury, the 2,700 members of Steelworkers Local 6500 primarily operate nickel, copper, cobalt, precious metals, gold and silver mines, as well as processing plants and smelters.

The new agreement, which provides for the supply of nickel to equip up to 350,000 electric vehicles per year, could mean a direct increase in Vale's production in Canada. Indirectly, workers, their families and their communities will also see an added benefit when good union jobs are strengthened.

“I am very pleased that this contract between Vale and General Motors supports and protects good local union jobs while creating new jobs. I am confident that our members are up to the challenge,” said Steelworkers District 6 Director Myles Sullivan (Ontario and Atlantic Canada).

This new agreement also supports the green shift needed to reduce greenhouse gases and pollution. The United Steelworkers has been a strong advocate for mitigating a new climate crisis through just transition, while ensuring that workers are not forgotten and that sustainable work means jobs well-paid union members who provide for the needs of families.

The United Steelworkers union represents 225,000 members in almost every economic sector in the country and is the largest private sector union in North America, with 850,000 members in Canada, the United States and the Caribbean.

Every year, thousands of workers choose to join the United Steelworkers because of its solid track record in creating healthier, safer and more respectful workplaces and in negotiating better working conditions and fairer compensation. , including good salaries, good benefits and good pensions.

The text of the press release resulting from a translation should in no way be considered official. The only authentic version of the press release is that of the press release in its original language. The translation will always have to be compared with the source text, which will set a precedent.

Contacts
For more information, please contact:
Myles Sullivan, United Steelworkers District 6 Director, 416-243-8792
Nick Larochelle, President, United Steelworkers Local 6500, 705-675-3381
Shannon Devine, Communications Department, (mobile ) 416-938-4402, sdevine@usw.ca

 

Source:businesswire.com

Report Abuse