Canadian Trade Unionists Rally Against Orla Mining

On June 10th, Canadian trade unionists rallied outside the offices of Vancouver mining corporation Orla Mining, owner of the Camino Rojo mine, which has been conspiring with criminal elements to break the Mineros union and impose a company union, which has lead to one of its organizers, Jaime Pulido, having to go into hiding with his family, as Mexico Solidarity Media has reported on previously. [We are organizing support for Jaime and his family: information on how to donate is here.]

“We strongly support our allies, the Mineros. The USW will do whatever we can to ensure that the labour and human rights of workers are respected wherever Canadian mining companies have their operations,” said Scott Lunny, USW District 3 Director, prior to the rally.

The protest was organized by the United Steelworkers of Canada District 3, and supported by the British Columbia Federation of Labour, East Van Workers Assembly, as well as visiting miners from Los Mineros, as well as Peru, Argentina, and the Australian Workers Union.

Hermender Singh Kailley, Secretary Treasurer at BC Federation of Labour, reported on the event:

“Today I stood in solidarity with mine workers from Mexico, Peru, Argentina, and Australia outside the Vancouver head office of Orla Mining. A huge shoutout to the United Steelworkers for organizing this powerful rally and for their unwavering support of workers around the world.

Also present were USW District 3 Director, Scott Lunny, representing Western Canada and the territories , and Gaylan Prescott, Director of District 12, covering the western United States. Their presence made it clear that the fight for workers’ rights knows no borders.

Workers from the Camino Rojo mine in Mexico shared chilling stories of threats, violence, and intimidation simply for trying to join a democratic union. What’s even more disturbing is that organized crime has reportedly been used to carry out some of these threats. Armed men tied to criminal networks have targeted union supporters. And all of this is happening while a company-friendly “union” is being used to undermine the real organizing efforts.

These miners aren’t just facing corporate union busting. They’re facing it backed by fear, corruption, and violence.
It was heartbreaking to hear what they’ve endured. The courage of these workers is inspiring. They are standing up not just for themselves, but for workers everywhere who are told to stay silent.

I was proud to be there repping the BCFED. Proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with people who understand that solidarity is more than a word. It’s action. And we will keep showing up.”

Canada is home to half of the world’s publicly listed mining and mineral exploration companies. As of 2023, 1,396 Canadian mining and exploration companies had CMAs valued at $336.7 billion, a 6.9% increase from $315.0 billion in 2022; including over $11.3 billion worth in Mexico.

In 2023, Canadian companies were present in 95 foreign countries and mining assets abroad, plagued by accusations of extreme exploitation, violence and environmental degredation, belying Canada’s reputation as a promoter of peaceful development. Canadian foreign policy is uniquely driven by the exploitative demands of this rapacious industry.