TORONTO, May 9, 2012 /CNW/ – The United Steelworkers union (USW) welcomes today’s announcement by Cliffs Natural Resources that they will be constructing a new smelter in Sudbury, Ontario.
“This project and its spin-offs will provide a much-needed boost to the hard-working families of Sudbury and Northern Ontario,” said USW International President Leo W. Gerard.
“Thousands of jobs will be created during development of the Sudbury smelter, the chromite mine and concentrating plant in northwestern Ontario and all the related infrastructure,” Gerard said. “Once operations begin, hundreds of family-supporting jobs will be maintained in the North for many years.”
“Today’s announcement will bring jobs and economic benefits to Northern Ontario, and that must include First Nations communities,” noted Ken Neumann, USW National Director for Canada.
“The Steelworkers have worked for 30 years with First Nations and aboriginal communities to ensure they also benefit from development of our natural resources,” Neumann said. “It will be incumbent on all parties involved in this project to reach agreements that ensure First Nations communities participate fully and share in its long-term benefits.”
“This is a tremendous opportunity to boost economic development that will benefit working families in many communities in Northern Ontario,” said USW District 6 Director Wayne Fraser.
“From mining and smelting to roads, railway and electricity infrastructure, this project will aid the economic development of the whole region,” Fraser said.
“The United Steelworkers and Cliffs Natural Resources have had a constructive relationship that dates back five decades,” Gerard noted. “We enthusiastically look forward to working with Cliffs in this exciting new project,” he said.
For further information:
Leo W. Gerard, USW International President, 412-580-1214
Ken Neumann, USW National Director for Canada, 416-558-2510
Wayne Fraser, USW District 6 Director, 416-243-8792
Bob Gallagher, USW Communications, 416-434-2221, bgallagher@usw.ca