"I have no problem with an underground miner making over $100,000. per year."

I agree 100% Zooloo.

There has always been an incentive bonus for underground miners based on the amount of drilling, blasting and amt of ore produced by the 4 man crew. With that and the hourly wage the miners always made good wages...better than surface workers.

This is great because it is based on productivity. If you didn't pull your weight, the rest of the crew soon got rid of you and replace you with someone who was not afraid to work.

But the nickel bonus had nothing to do with productivity. Even the dog f___ers get it. Everyone was making over $100,000.

"I also don't have a problem with an employee sharing in the company's success when commodity prices go to the moon."

Again we agree. The new proposed contract continues the nickel bonus but puts . limitations on it. So when the price of nickel goes back up and it will, employees will still get a bonus, but more appropriate.

"My opinion is that the managerial paper pusher types especially in the civil service get paid too much."

I certainly have problems with the way the civil service is run...but thats another topic.

In the mining industry a lot of the staff people are mining and metalurgical enginneers. I think you would have trouble retaining these people if you didn't pay them according to their education and experience.

"Expect a six month or longer strike at Vale-INCO and expect nickel prices to spike during that time."

The resuts of the vote will be very interesting. If it is close, the strike may last only 3 months. But if it is over 60% , then it will be very long..perhaps 1 year.

SN