Layoffs at Hamilton’s Stelco steel plant have started and are expected to take place over a three-week period.
Not every worker has received an official notice yet, according to Ron Wells, president of United Steelworkers Local 1005, which represents Stelco employees in Hamilton. However, he mentioned that “people have a general idea” about whether their jobs might be at risk.
Wells stated on Wednesday that the first wave of layoffs is anticipated this week, with another set planned for the following week and a final group the week after. One worker, Jordan Williams, shared with CBC Hamilton that he got his notice on Wednesday, effective Sunday.
Overall, Wells predicts around 300 to 350 layoffs in Hamilton, along with additional cuts at Stelco’s Lake Erie Works in Nanticoke, which falls under a different union local.
Wells explained that new regulations in Ontario’s Employment Standards Act mean the company doesn’t need to provide advance notice for temporary layoffs shorter than 35 weeks. This allows workers to receive their notices and be laid off on the same day.
Ron Wells, president of USW Local 1005, expresses his ‘disgust’ over the decision affecting about 350 workers. (Meagan Fitzpatrick/CBC)
“If it becomes permanent after those 35 weeks, they would need to add those extra 12 weeks to any severance pay owed,” he told CBC Hamilton. He added that laid-off workers would keep their medical benefits for now.
“People are understandably concerned about what’s next. How are they going to pay their bills?.. But overall emotion is anger,” Wells said. “I think nearly all the workers I’ve spoken with believe this shutdown and layoff isn’t necessary. There’s demand for our product out there and we’re being used as pawns in a political game.”
Wells suspects that Stelco owner Cleveland-Cliffs wants to show that Trump’s tariffs are effective ahead of the U. S. midterm elections; CEO Lourenco Goncalves has voiced support for such tariffs.
“I hope the federal government takes action against them,” Wells said. “We just want to ensure they … follow through with it.”
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly cautioned on Monday that Stelco had five business days to present a plan for job retention or face legal action under the Investment Canada Act.
In a prior interview with , Goncalves defended his choice to pause production.
“We had the capability to sell into the United States,” he mentioned back then. “That was a key factor for me when acquiring Stelco.”
“I wouldn’t have bought Stelco if I knew Canada and the U. S. would turn into what they’ve become – trade enemies.”
CBC Hamilton reached out to Stelco regarding whether they intend to meet the government’s deadline but did not receive a response.
Local Tradespeople Concerned About Layoffs and Offering Support
Wells noted that for each laid-off steelworker, there could be up to five other jobs affected as well. Bernard Tompkins works as a contractor doing equipment maintenance at Stelco; he mentioned on Wednesday that various tradespeople are anxious about this situation.
“Being on site gives me insight into how much further-reaching this impact can be beyond just those directly laid off from Stelco,” Tompkins said in an email on Wednesday.
“It’s not only about direct employees – it also influences other building trades, contractors, suppliers, technicians and businesses whose work relies on supporting those operations.” p >Tompkins , who is also running for council in Ward 2 , said his union is considering creating internship opportunities for some displaced Stelco workers due “to all available work” currently present in [the] trade. p >” From what I understand , discussions like these have already begun ,” he stated. ” I really empathize with those workers and families facing this tough time , especially since Christmas is right around the corner.” p >Job Retraining Opportunities Available For 75 Laid-Off Workers h2 >On Tuesday , both federal and provincial governments announced $203 ,000 towards retraining jobs specifically aimed at “steel and manufacturing workers,” facilitated by Learning Connections Hamilton. p >” Ontario will distribute funds through Skills Advance Ontario , which collaborates with employers alongside training providers so workers can transition into careers currently in demand ,” noted a release from provincial authorities. p >” The training will include skills assessments , personalized training plans , digital skills upgrades , training referrals , case management assistance along with support accessing certifications plus short-term training needed for employment.” p >Affected individuals can seek help via United Steelworkers Action Centre by calling 905-548-9197 or visiting them at their location:1031 Barton St. E. p >Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath expressed on Wednesday her plan called “Head of Lake Ontario” tariff-response initiative aims assisting laid-off Stellcco employees by maintaining property tax increases below inflation while providing emergency tax plus fee deferrals directed toward residents unable paying city bills. P >
” When news broke regarding Stellcco I promptly urged both federal & provincial bodies working hard saving these roles either negotiations enforcement actions while simultaneously advocating immediate relief funds released impacted individuals along families.” She declared within email statement addressed CBCHamilton Wednesday.
“While unable control Trump’s choices my focus remains directing how we respond.”
Source link
