SAULT STE. MARIE, ON -- United Steelworkers' (USW) Ontario/Atlantic Director Wayne Fraser called Thursday's death of union member Rocky Scullino at Essar Steel Algoma a "tragic failure to enforce worker protection on the job.

Killing at work has to stop." USW Local 2251 President Mike DaPrat said a full investigation needs to take place immediately. "Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the family of this long-time Steelworker member," said DaPrat about Scullino, who was 58 with 30 years seniority at Algoma.

"A full investigation of the incident that killed Brother Scullino at Essar's material reprocessing facility needs to result in assurances that this will never happen again. No one should be killed at work in 2008," said DaPrat. "We also need our governments to not only enforce existing health and safety legislation but also make it more effective."

DaPrat criticized labour legislation and called on Liberal MPP David Orazietti to work for legislative change at Queen's Park to better protect workers. "Time and again our union tries to push for legislation that would bring about safer workplaces, only to be thwarted by government officials."

Fraser added: "Employers must not be allowed to shirk their responsibility of providing safe and healthy workplaces. It is the job of governments to make sure they do."

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CONTACT: Mike DaPrat 705.942.3900