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By Stew Kernan

The recent negotiations between Vale and the United Steelworkers is being called a new era in labour relations.

2,700 production and maintenance workers, members of United Steelworkers Local 6500, voted 76.7% in favour of the five year deal.

Vale’s vice-president of corporate affairs, Cory McPhee says it show a maturing of the relationship.

President of United Steelworkers Local 6500 Rick Bertrand says coming to an agreement a full month before the current contract expires shows both sides were committed to avoiding a strike.

The new contract, which runs until 2020, takes effect on June 1st.