IOC workers in Labrador West vote to create temporary workforce

Iron Ore Company workers represented by the Steelworkers Union in Labrador City have accepted a proposal recommended by their union executive to create a temporary workforce.

• IOC workers in Labrador West to vote Thursday on creating temporary workforce
• Labrador West workers discussing plan for more local jobs at IOC mine

United Steelworkers 5795 President Ron Thomas told CBC News that 60 per cent of the members who voted supported the proposal.

He said the agreement will lead to fewer outside contractors being hired to do jobs at the mine usually filled by union members.

The temporary workers in the new workforce won't be full-time hires, but they will have access to dental and health coverage, said Thomas. 

He said they will also have access to the union's collective agreement after a probation period.

The proposal will now go into effect for a six-month trial period, before being reassessed by the union and IOC management at that time.