Statement by United Steelworkers union (USW) Canadian leaders on today’s announcement by Stelco Holdings Inc. that it has entered into an agreement with Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. for the purchase of Stelco’s Hamilton Works and Lake Erie Works operations in Hamilton and Nanticoke, Ont., respectively:
Today, some two-dozen representatives of the nearly 2,000 USW members who work at Stelco’s Hamilton and Lake Erie operations met by video conference with Lourenco Goncalves, Cleveland-Cliffs’ President, CEO and Chairman of the Board.
This initial, hour-long meeting was cordial and respectful in tone, with meaningful exchanges that led the parties to schedule a more fulsome, face-to-face meeting that will be held this Friday, July 19, in Hamilton, where Stelco is headquartered.
First and foremost, our union believes that any sale of Stelco must be predicated on binding commitments that it will result in tangible, net benefits to our members who are primarily responsible for the company’s success, as well as to the communities in which our members and pensioners live and work, and to our province and our country.
We believe that any purchase of Stelco must come with commitments to honour our members’ collective agreements, to protect pensions and benefits, and to make investments that will protect and create jobs and ensure the long-term viability of the company’s operations.
We are committed to engaging in good-faith discussions with Cleveland-Cliffs to ensure these vital objectives are met.
Sincerely,
John McElroy, Ron Wells,
President, USW Local 8782 President, USW Local 1005
(Stelco Lake Erie Works) (Stelco Hamilton Works)
Myles Sullivan Marty Warren
Director, USW District 6 USW National Director for Canada
(Ontario and Atlantic Canada)
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