Posted by Sudbury Northern Life 
The issue of Xstrata's three-year commitment to no layoffs until July 25 is not dead, said Mine Mill and Smelter Local 598/CAW officials.
Dwight Harper, 598/CAW union president, said on CBC Radio One Tuesday morning the pressure on the company to honour its takeover commitment to the federal government continues.
The original agreement with the federal government said there would be no layoffs until July 25 of this year. That is what the union is still after, said Harper.
"On Friday union members will climb into buses and head to the offices of Industry Minister Tony Clement," said Harper.
Xstrata announced last week it was laying off 686 staff and hourly workers in its Sudbury operations. After negotiations with Mine Mill, the company agreed to pay union members until June 3.
Richard Paquin, bargaining unit chair for the union, said the eight buses chartered for the run to Huntsville are full.
"The buses are packed. We may be adding more. The intent is to go after the government for the seven weeks the laid off workers are still owed," said Paquin.
NDP Leader Jack Layton will add his views to the controversy Tuesday night at the Quality Inn at 6:30 p.m. He will be joined by Sudbury MP Glenn Thibeault and Nickel Belt MP Claude Gravelle.
Xstrata said in a release Friday the affected workers will also get benefits.
"The company will implement a 16-week continuance, including benefits, for those employees affected by the restructuring. In November 2008, an early retirement program was initiated targeting 250 employees, saw an uptake by approximately 220 employees. An additional early retirement program will be offered to the approximately 30 remaining eligible employees," stated the release Friday.
The company said it would also seek additional work for affected employees on capital projects. The union confirmed this week up to 90 affected workers will be able to get temporary work, which could last several months, on the Nickel Rim South project and in the mill operations.
"In these tough times, it's nice to see the community rallying together and achieving these kinds of results," said Gravelle, in a release.
Xstrata said in a release the company recognized the impact the restructuring was having on affected employees and their families. 
"We are pleased to have reached agreement on our plans to find ways to help mitigate the impact of layoffs and we remain fully committed to securing our future in Sudbury," said Marc Boissonneault, vice-president Xstrata Nickel Sudbury operations.
Workers who want further information on the bus trip should call the union hall at 673-3661.
