Scabs and management are keeping the nickel mines and smelter operating at Falconbridge Nickel Mines in Sudbury, Ontario. The Union (MineMill Local 598 of the Canadian Auto Workers) has been out on strike since August 1, protesting contracting out, wage rollbacks and other measures that will "gut the collective agreement" if implemented.
The strikers suspect the company's intransigence is a result of the recent purchase of 49.9% of Falconbridge by Noranda Inc., and the desire of Noranda to bring the Sudbury operation closer to the level of costs in their operations in Peru, Chile and other parts of the world.
Community solidarity with the strikers is strong, and growing.