Vale trims non-union roles in Sudbury, part of ‘strategic staffing changes’

What’s going on at Vale?

Vale Base Metals (Vale) has eliminated non-unionized jobs in Sudbury as part of “strategic staffing changes.”

While the miner didn’t disclose the exact number of positions cut, Vale said in a statement that the reduction involved “the departure of some colleagues across all areas of the business, including operating, administrative, and corporate roles.”

“These changes are part of a process that began late last year. They will position us to better withstand current market conditions for commodities and help us achieve the full potential of our assets and mineral endowments for the benefit of our stakeholders,” the statement reads.

The company added that it “remains committed” to its operations in Ontario.

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Next steps for Vale employees

If you’re fired or let go at Vale, understanding your legal rights is crucial.

Non-unionized employees in Canada’s mining industry are entitled to severance pay. The amount you’re owed is based on a variety of factors, including your role, tenure, age, and ability to find similar work.

WATCH: Employment lawyer Lior Samfiru delves into severance pay on an episode of the Employment Law Show.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Compensation: Severance packages, which can be as much as 24 months’ pay, may include salary, bonuses, commissions, and other forms of compensation. Use our firm’s free Severance Pay Calculator to better understand your entitlements.
• Deadlines: You generally have up to two years from the date of your termination to review and negotiate severance offers.
• Action steps: Consult an employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP to ensure your severance package is fair and aligns with Canadian employment laws.

Major employers slashing staff

The latest workforce reduction at Vale comes amid a flurry of job cuts to start 2025.

Other big names, including Unity, Meta, Canada Post, Workday, ADM, Amazon, Shopify, Stripe, BP, Microsoft, Hudson’s Bay, and Wayfair, have also pulled out the axe.

SEE ALSO
• ‘We lost our agility’: Estée Lauder planning to slash up to 7,000 jobs
• Canada’s immigration department slashing workforce by 25%
• Where are layoffs happening in Canada?

Lost your job? Contact us

If you’re fired or let go at Vale for any reason, the experienced employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP can help.

Our lawyers in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia have helped tens of thousands of non-unionized individuals resolve their workplace issues.

Call us today at 1-855-821-5900 or request a consultation online.

Disclaimer: The materials above are provided as general information about the rights of non-unionized employees in Canada. It is not specific to any one company and SHOULD NOT be read as suggesting any improper conduct on the part of any specific employer, or a relationship between Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and a specific employer.