Steel Mills

USW Strike at ArcelorMittal Mines in Canada
Written by Sandy Williams
May 11, 2021
United Steelworkers at ArcelorMittal Mines and Infrastructure Canada went on strike Monday night after rejecting a May 7 offer by the company. The strike by 2,500 employees could have a “serious economic impact on the economy of the Côte-Nord and Quebec,” said Quebec Labor Minister Jean Boulet.
ArcelorMittal and the USW executives of the five locals involved reached a tentative agreement on April 12, but it was rejected in a vote by members. The enhanced May 7 offer was also rejected, prompting termination of negotiations and the subsequent walkout.
“ArcelorMittal Mines and Infrastructure Canada regrets the decision of members of the United Steelworkers Union to initiate a labor conflict and hopes for a quick return to the negotiating table to prevent a prolonged strike that would not serve anyone’s interests,” said the company in a press release. Negotiations have been underway since December and, most recently, in the presence of a conciliator from the Department of Labor.
ArcelorMittal claims working conditions for its employees on the North Shore are among the most competitive in the industry. ArcelorMittal added that the company spends approximately CAD $1.25 billion each year in the province and contributes about $1 billion to Quebec’s GDP, as well as generating over 8,300 direct and indirect jobs in the region.
The strike occurs at time of soaring iron ore prices and demand.

Sandy Williams
Read more from Sandy WilliamsLatest in Steel Mills

Nucor eyes long-term gains amid strong demand and trade enforcement
Resilient demand across its steel product lines, combined with the continued ramp-up of key expansion projects, drove Nucor’s improved financial results and record-setting performance in the second quarter. That’s according to company executives speaking on an earnings conference call on Tuesday.

Three independent, new directors join USS board
U.S. Steel (USS) appointed three new, independent US members to its board of directors, the company announced.

Nucor reports improved earnings, sales, and operating rates
Nucor reported a sharp sequential rebound in the second quarter, buoyed by improved pricing and strong shipments. But the steelmaker is bracing for a modest slowdown in the months ahead.

Cliffs confirms Cleveland furnace restart, Dearborn furnace idling
Cleveland-Cliffs is idling blast furnace, BOF shop, and continuous caster functions at its Dearborn plant, but downstream operations will remain unaffected, the company confirmed. Cliffs said its pickling line tandeom cold mill (PLTCM) and its extra wide automotive-grade galvanizing line for exposed parts will continue operations at the Dearborn, Michigan-based facility.

Nucor spot HR list price unchanged at $900/ton
Nucor maintained its weekly list price for hot-rolled (HR) coil flat this week, following a price cut the previous week.