Local musicians have stepped up to support Steelworkers Local 6500 strike with Vale Inco.
Guitarist Billy John will be one of several local musicians performing in support of Steelworkers Local 6500 this Saturday, Feb. 27 at 6:30 p.m.
The concert is being held at the Fraser Auditorium at Laurentian University. Admission is free.
Stéphane Paquette, Pascal and O.B., Ryan Levecque and the Women of Steel, will also perform at the concert.
Several speakers are scheduled to speak as well.
“Everyone in Sudbury has the responsibility to get the message out to Vale Inco that they have to stop taking advantage of workers and our community,” Gary Kinsman, Laurentian University sociology professor, said in a press release. He is one of the organizers of the event.
“That's why it is important for people to come out and show their support.”
Kinsman said he has received support from student and faculty associations at the university for the event.
"I believe there has not been this kind of event at the university before for striking workers.”
Kinsman said there will be a variety of speakers and videos. They include One Day Longer, about the CAW-Mine Mill strike in 2000-2001, as well as a segment from A Wives Tale, a movie that relates the experiences of spouses and families during the Inco USW strike of 1978-79.
Kinsman said the arts community has been a part of the chronicling of community struggles for more than 100 years.
“People helping one another during tough times is a tradition in Sudbury," he explained. "Sending a clear message to Vale Inco that the Sudbury community is behind USW 6500 is the best way to curb what is clearly a show of corporate greed.”
He added, “it will also make for an enjoyable evening.”
For more information, phone 675-1151, ext. 4221, or e-mail [email protected].
