Legal Strike Date Approaches for USW Local 1005

Leaders of the United Steelworkers Local 1005 said in the latest bargaining update that many issues remain unresolved with the Canadian steelmaker.

“As the strike deadline rapidly approaches, we have made little progress in the four and a half months that we have spent at the bargaining table. We have been available and ready to bargain every day, but unfortunately Stelco does not have the same sense of urgency and has failed to move forward in good faith,” the update reads.

The Local leaders note Stelco’s incredibly profitable past few quarters and the company’s ability to reward shareholders, sell lands, and buy back $1 billion in shares from shareholders. Additionally, the steelmaker “has boasted about having the lowest labor cost among their competitors.” Taking all these things into consideration, a fair contract remains the USW’s goal.

“…We are not in a position today to tell you if we will be bringing back a contract to vote on or signing members up for picket duty. … The struggle continues,” the Aug. 9 update continues.

Stelco did not respond to SMU’s request for comment as of Wednesday afternoon.

Legal strike dates are also approaching at other USW-represented steelmaking operations in Canada.

The USW Local 8782, which represents Stelco’s Lake Erie Works steelmaking operations in Nanticoke, Ontario, will be in a legal position to strike as of 12:01am on Sunday, Aug. 22.

Earlier this week, USW Local 2251, representing hourly workers at Algoma Steel, rejected the latest offer from the steelmaker. 2251’s extended contract is set to expire on Monday, Aug. 15 at 11:59 pm.

USW Local 2724, representing Algoma’s salaried technical, professional, and front-line supervisors, is the only local that has already ratified a new labor contract.

By Laura Miller, laura@steelmarketupdate.com