Posted by Sudbury Northern Life Reporter Bill Bradley
Change, the byword of politics today, may be about to sweep Local 6500 Steelworkers on Wednesday, April 8. That is when the union will hold its first contested election in nine years.
Polling stations will be set up at most Vale Inco plants, as well as at the union offices, for the 3,500 workers eligible to cast ballots. Any worker can vote at any plant polling station on voting day. Elections are regularly held every three years.
For Patrick Veinot, current vice-president, change cannot come fast enough. That is why he is running for John Fera's job of union president, along with a slate of like-minded union activists.
"It is time for leadership. We need a change," said Veinot Tuesday.
He and a slate of candidates are contesting the union establishment for the first time in almost a decade.
"The positions of president, vice-president, financial secretary, all 14 executive postions, are all being challenged by our diverse team representing most Vale Inco operations," said Veinot.
"The members come from the smelter operation, Creighton Mine, Garson Mine, Stobie Mine, North Mine and the nickel refinery. They all have union experience but will be new to these positions."
Northern Life phoned John Fera for an interview but was unable to reach him at press time. He is running for president of the union again, after being acclaimed twice.
Veinot has had a long history with Local 6500.
"I started with Inco in 1989. I am a welder by trade. When I was hired, I was the youngest welder hired. I was just turning 21. Within eight months I was asked to join the union's health and safety committee. So I will have 20 years union involvement in June," he said.
The contender for president said he is ready for the challenge in the upcoming talks with Vale Inco. Veinot said he and Peter Saal - who is running for recording secretary - traveled to Thompson, Manitoba last fall to take part in the union contract talks with Vale Inco.
"I was there for a week. I learned a lot how the company negotiates. Later, Peter was sent to Brazil to visit the company's plants and to talk to the Brazilian unionists. We both are now in better shape to deal with the company here in Greater Sudbury."
He said he was prepared to carry the full responsibility of trying to negotiate a package with the company, without resorting to a strike, which is costly to his members and the whole community.
"I am optimistic we can avoid a strike without giving in to the company. My understanding is that Vale is still making money even with low nickel prices. There are the precious metals which fetch a lot of money. There is also the copper which is doing much better recently."
Veinot said he believes Local 6500 has a responsibility to the wider community.
"Unions are one of the last organizations in society with
sufficient strength to make a difference for all people. We
fight for families and for the common person."
He said the key to a strong union is developing a strong base
of activists in the union.
"My mentor, Randi Condie, at Creighton Mine, told me when he retired he left behind ten to a dozen strong activists at that operation to carry on. That is what I want my legacy to be."
