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Two Sudbury labour heroes have been inducted into the 2016 Ontario Federation of Labour Honour Roll, just in time for Labour Day. Nickel Belt New Democrat MPP France Gelinas announced the names of the inductees this week, commending both men for their efforts to improve the lives of working people.
Homer Seguin, who died in April 2013 at 79, continues to be a legend in the labour movement, said Gelinas. “So many sick and injured workers, as well as their spouses and families, were able to get compensation because of his activism.
“Every workplace in Ontario is safer because of Mr. Seguin, I miss him very much,” said Gelinas. Seguin was a former president of United Steelworkers Local 6500 and long-time staff representative with United Steelworkers. He is well known for his work to better working conditions for people in Elliot Lake’s uranium mines.
Seguin fought all his life so people wouldn’t get cancer or other illnesses that were work-related. If they did, he fought to get compensation for them.
The other local inductee, Wyman MacKinnon, helped people in a different type of workplace. Gelinas called the Coniston man “a true union activist in so many ways. He has been a great advocate for many workers.”
The MPP said people are fortunate MacKinnon made things better in the labour movement not only in Sudbury, but in the entire province.
A front-line social worker with the city for 34 years, MacKinnon was full-time president of CUPE 207/4705 representing all city workers for 20 years.
The names of Seguin and MacKinnon will be added to the OFL’s Labour Honour Roll plaque and two scholarships will be awarded in their names. The hope is that they will inspire future activists to get involved.
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