"Mr. McPhee said Vale had fired three strikers due to threats of violence made on the picket line.

In a separate but potentially more serious incident, he said, the company discovered a blocking device placed on a connecting rail line that could have derailed a train."

Things are starting to get very tense in Sudbury. There is a history of violence here during strikes.

The weather has suddenly turned cold and the strikers are quickly running out of money.

Many workers have elected to take their pension while others have quit to accept jobs elsewhere.

Vale is using contractors and staff to start up operations. Currently only some mining and milling operations are operating but reports are that Vale Inco will soon start up the Smelter using Contractors.

The police have been called in to investigate serious allegations of violence. It is beginning to look like this will get very ugly.

Vale has repeatedly stated that they have given the union their one and only offer. As time goes on it is looking like they are not just posturing.