Local 6500 ranks drop after veteran miners take pensions

Steelworkers Local 6500's ranks has dropped significantly since it began its strike against Vale Inco July 13.

The union started with about 3,100 members, and is now down about 60 or 70 people, according to Local 6500 president John Fera, who spoke to Northern Life about the issue at a union rally in Copper Cliff Oct. 21.

These people have taken their Vale Inco pensions rather than continuing to strike, he said.

“It's because they have the senority to take pensions,” he said. “Everybody here is losing $1,000 a week. If you've got 35 years of service or whatever, these guys have decided that enough is enough, and I wish them well. They can enjoy their pension. That's what we work so hard for.”