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RELEASE, 20 July, 2010 – Talks between United Steelworkers Local 9508 and Vale broke off at 4:00 pm today.

“This company appears not to be serious about striking a deal,” said Boyd Bussey, United Steelworkers Staff Representative. “Vale is offering a lesser bonus system than the one given to Sudbury Local 6500 just two weeks ago.”

“The proposed bonus system is unacceptable. It’s based entirely on incentives rather than the present one based solely on the average realized price of nickel or the profitability of the company. The Sudbury bonus has a nickel component and a world wide company profitability components,” said Bussey.

“The company has also refused to discuss other outstanding issues on the table until the union agrees to the new bonus system,” emphasized Bussey.

“We need to see a serious effort on Vale’s part, if negotiations are to succeed.”

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Contact: Boyd Bussey, United Steelworkers, 709-753-0864, 709-727-8632 (cell)