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RELEASE, 17 Sept 2009 – In the largest gathering of international labour leaders northern Ontario has ever seen, International guests representing over 168 millions of workers from countries around the world will join the citizens of Sudbury in a rally of support for Vale Inco strikers and their families this Saturday.

The local labour battle with Vale Inco has captured the attention of workers and communities around the world. “There are many communities in Latin America, Africa, Europe and Asia that are watching the Vale Inco strike very closely,” said Ken Neumann, National Director of United Steelworkers. “They know this is a battle over what massively profitable multinationals can get away with in the communities where they extract resources.”

“For two months, our members have appreciated the overwhelming support shown by the citizens of Sudbury. Now, we realize there is also significant international support for our issue,” said John Fera, President of USW Local 6500.

“Saturday’s rally promises to be an historic event that demonstrates that our strikers and their families have strong support within the Sudbury community and from workers in communities in many parts of the world,” said Wayne Fraser, USW District Director for Ontario and Atlantic Canada.

WHAT	International and Community Rally in Support of Sudbury’s Strikers
WHO	Labour Leaders from Around the World, and Sudbury Community
WHEN	Saturday, Sept 19th, 11:00 am
WHERE	Sudbury Arena (240 Elgin St)

Guests at Sudbury’s Sept 19th rally include: 

• Sharon Burrow, President ITUC (largest trade union confederation in the world) and ACTU (Australia largest trade union council) (Australia) 
• Manfred Warda, General Secretary of ICEM (Int’l federation (incl mining) of over 500 unions) (Germany) 
• Jyki Raina, General Secretary of IMF (Int’l federation of over 200 unions of metalworkers) (Geneva, Switzerland) 
• Ken Georgetti, President of Canadian Labour Congress (Canada) 
• Artur Henrique da Silva Santos, President of CUT (Largest trade union in Brazil) (Brazil) 
• Edwardo Pinto, President STEFEM (Brazilian railway workers) and member of Vale Board of Directors (Brazil) 
• Paul Talbot, Assistant General Secretary, Unite (Britain’s largest labour union w/ over 2million members) (UK) 
• Jorge Campos, International Affairs Secretary for Vale Union Network (network of workers internationally that work for Vale), and General Secretary, Sindimina (Brazilian mineworkers) (Brazil) 

• John Sweeney, Recent President of AFL-CIO (Largest trade union federation in America) (USA)

• Napoleon Gomez Urutia, General Secretary, National Union of Mineworkers (Mexico)

   These guests are in addition to United Steelworker leaders: 

  • Leo Gerard, International President of United Steelworkers
  • Ken Neumann, National Director of the United Steelworkers
  • Wayne Fraser, USW District Director for Ont. and Atlantic Canada
  • John Fera, President of USW Local 6500 (Sudbury)

   

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  Contacts: John Fera, President of USW Local 6500, 705-675-2281x238 /
  Wayne Fraser, USW District Director, 416-577-4045 /
  Bob Gallagher, USW Communications, 416-544-5966 / 416-434-2221 /