"The world has changed and we need to change with it to be a viable and competitive business for the long-term. Yesterday's approaches won't solve tomorrow's challenges. We believe structuring the business for long-term success is the best outcome for the company, our employees and the Sudbury community."

This was Vale Inco's comment to the Union and to the Community following the Union's accusation that Vale is " A Third World Employer"

"Yesterday's approaches won't solve tomorrow's challenges."

IMHO this applies to all North American Companies and Communities. The world has indeed changed and we need to change with it.

The auto unions have been required to accept concessions and this is just the tip of the iceburg.

North American wages and benefits have become too costly with the result that private sector companies are not competative.

In the public sector it is becoming clear that the public can no long continue to pay higher and higher taxes to support ever increasing labour costs and the inefficiency of Government.

The union's accusation about "Third World Employer" is an interesting one. IMHO the USA and Canada are in danger of becoming Third World Countrys if we do not adjust quickly to the new realities.

As for Vale and The Steelworkers, the writting is on the wall. There will be no more production at the Sudbury Operation in 2009. This will be a long and bitter strike.

SN