United Steelworkers picket in support of bargaining with Hudbay

Nearly 20 members of United Steelworkers Local 7106 picketed in support of their bargaining team, which was in negotiations with Hudbay’s bargaining team, Thursday with a march down Main Street.

“ I actually think they [the union bargaining team] were inspired by our small statement of support,” said United Steelworker Jason Donaghy.

The union’s bargaining team is working towards non-monetary demands with Hudbay, including a change to workers’ grievance packages, but according to Donaghy, things are not going well.

“They have been working hard to inform the membership of updates each time they have met with Hudbay managements bargaining team and we, the members, hope that we sent a message that we are stronger than ever, and would appreciate to be respected and bargained with in good faith.”

Donaghy says the union’s bargaining team continues to hear “no, no, no” from Hudbay.

“Fifteen years of not having the right to strike and having to accept whatever is offered has put us very low on the scale when comparing other companies in the mining industry in Canada. We just want what is fair and deserved.”

The United Steelworkers have two main non-monetary demands including a chance to improve their current grievance package and for work to be completed by area residents before being outsourced.

Donaghy says the current grievance procedure is “broken.”

“It should not take a year or more to get a member his job back after wrongful dismissal,” said Donaghy, who has worked at Hudbay for the past seven years as well as a previous stint in the ’90s. “Timelines for the process have to be followed to resolve grievances in a timely manner.”

Donaghy says he and the other union members agree with the demands being presented to Hudbay.

“Personally, I don’t think they are asking for too much and it shouldn’t be something that is overlooked,” he said. “At the end of the day, no one wants a work stoppage – that wouldn’t benefit anyone in the Flin Flon/Snow Lake area, including Hudbay. I hope they can work together for our futures and come to an agreement (that) works for everyone.”

Donaghy says Thursday’s impromptu support won’t be the last the bargaining team sees.

“We are just getting warmed up and I am confident more bargaining support will be seen going forward.”

Hudbay representation were unavailable for comment before press time.