Vale CEO Roger Agnelli has accused the United Steelworkers of America of being conflict-oriented towards the Brazilian miner in their recent year-long strike at their nickel mining and processing operations in Sudbury and Port Colborne. The union voted 75.5% in favour of a five-year deal on 8 July , ending a strike by 3100 members that lasted one week shy of a year. In a company newsletter, 16 July, Mr Agnelli said United Steelworkers “has a long record of conflicts and strikes with the former Inco” with more than half of all negotiations leading to long strikes in Canada and around the world. He accused the Steelworkers of not being willing to accept change and for trying to “export” the conflict to other Vale operations. Mr Agnelli said the new deal, which includes a new defined contribution pension plan for new employees, pay based on performance, removes “restrictions and interference in managing the company.” With the strike concluded, he said Vale can now proceed with its investment program in Canada, which includes the Totten Mine, the company’s first new mine in 35 years. He also stated that Vale prioritizes the hiring of local workers and suppliers wherever they establish operations and will contribute to community development. He added the company will soon be back at the bargaining table with strikers at Voisey’s Bay, who have been on the picket line for a year.