On January 29, 2011, there will be rally of The People vs. U.S. Steel, put on by USW 1005 members from USS Hamilton Mill. This will be the 12th week since the union workers started the lockout. The lockout was due to the USW workers concern about U.S. Steel attempting to re-structure two areas of the union pension plan. The first is to remove a cost of living indexing provision for all 9,000 former Stelco and USS Hamilton retirees. The second is to change the pension program for all “new hires” away from a defined benefit program which is currently in place.

Although Steel Market Update has no opinion either way about the outcome, SMU has been following this story since the beginning by giving people on both sides a place to express their opinions and thoughts on the event. Click Here to read the numerous blogs SMU has written on this event.

According to USW Local 1005's website announcement, they are "participating in the January 29 rally The People vs. U.S. Steel to demand that governments do their duty and uphold public right, not monopoly right! How can our security during our working lives and in retirement be guaranteed by the monopolies when the present economic arrangements are incapable of fulfilling that demand? By the direct admission of the spokespersons of the monopolies the present arrangements are meant to enrich owners of capital at the expense of public right, nation-building and the interests of those who work to produce the wealth. It is simply not an option.

We call on you to join the Hamilton Day of Action on January 29 The People vs. U.S. Steel to show your support for members of USW Local 1005 who are fighting for the security of all in retirement."

According to USW 1005's report, there are 46 buses already booked to join in the rally being paid for by various union groups.