Union criticizes Inco for hiring replacement workers

Inco Ltd.'s decision to hire some replacement workers at its Voisey's Bay nickel mine violates an agreement with the Nunatsiavut government, striking workers say.

The 117 members of the United Steelworkers union went on strike almost two weeks ago over wages.

On Thursday, they learned the company had hired several workers from outside of the province to operate the site's powerhouse during the dispute.

Voisey's Bay spokesman Bob Carter said outside workers were essential to maintain a basic level of power, in order to produce things like hot water for workers who are not on strike and remain at the mine site.

In addition to the strikers, the mine employs more than 200 workers who belong to other unions and are not currently on strike.

Union local president Gerald Saunders, who usually works in the powerhouse with five other people, claims Inco's move violates a benefits agreement with the Nunatsiavut government.

That deal was supposed to ensure that its members maximize their potential for employment and economic benefits during the life of the mine.

"Anywhere from 70 to 80 per cent of the members out on strike are probably beneficiaries of the Nunatsiavut government," said Saunders.

"We have beneficiaries who now cannot afford to pay rent, they can't afford to pay for their cars and so this money that they're not getting is not being spent in any of these communities."

For Saunders, the company's decision to bring in replacement workers also has a personal dimension.

"They're doing my job," he said. "I'm being replaced by a scab."

Carter said the company has not broken its agreement with the Nunatsiavut government by bringing in outside workers.

"We're certainly very proud of our achievements as it relates to the opportunities that we've had for hiring aboriginal employees and for using aboriginal businesses," he said.

The Nunatsiavut government said it is looking into the allegations. Earlier this week, it said Inco had promised that the benefits agreement would not be violated.

The striking workers are seeking wage parity with Inco workers in Ontario. A union spokesman said mine workers employed by Inco in Sudbury earn an hourly wage of at least $24, while their counterparts at Voisey's Bay make just $19 an hour.