Steelworkers are back in business, said John Fera, president Local 6500.
He was speaking at a press conference Friday morning at the Steelworkers' new offices at 128 Pine Street, across from the Evans Lumber parking lot.
Last Friday in the early morning hours a devastating fire ravaged their 61-year-old union hall.
“It's been a difficult and busy week,” said Fera. “But the energy and commitment of Steelworkers' members has come to the forefront once again.”
Fera ran through a lengthy list of thank yous ranging from Fred Stanford, president Vale Inco, Ontario operations, Greater Sudbury Acting Deputy Fire Chief Dan Stack and his crew, Greater Sudbury Police Services, and Mayor John Rodriguez who phoned Friday morning.
Fera also thanked the local business community who continually offered assistance, the construction crew who managed to salvage many important filing cabinets and Steelworkers officials, such as Wayne Fraser, District 6 Steelworkers, who was on-site all weekend, and Leo Gerrard, international president, who phoned constantly out of concern.
“We said we would be back in business by Friday and with the assistance of all of the community we've been able to do just that,” said Fera.
He still was unsure what files have been lost and which are salvageable at this point, though he was following advice and placing files in cold storage in order to try and preserve them.
Fera said the new offices would be able to house Local 6500, Local 2020 and the international union office.
“We have 8,500 sq. ft. for all the locals. It is going to be enough for the two years we have leased it for,” he said.
Fera said he was not sure when they would build a new structure.
“We have to do the permit process and finish the demolition. I am suggesting we build on the same site.”
Fera said his union would still be supportive of charities in the community.
“We are going to continue to be part of the community as best we can, but we now have to pay rent,” said Fera.
