SELKIRK, MAN. – United Steelworkers union (USW) Local 8740 members at Gerdau AmeriSteel Manitoba Metals’ recycling operations in Selkirk, Man., went on strike at 11:00 p.m. on Sept. 11 after months of bargaining failed to produce a new collective agreement.
Members have been clear about what they expect from this round of bargaining. They have rejected three separate offers from the employer, each time by 92%. On July 23, members also delivered a strong 92% strike mandate, showing they are prepared to stand together for a fair deal.
The parties met in conciliation on Aug. 24, where the employer offered a $1,800 signing bonus. However, the main issue of fair annual wage increases remains unresolved. With no agreement reached, the union served a 72-hour strike notice on Sept. 8.
“Our members have been clear, united and determined throughout these negotiations,” said Phil Hayden, USW Staff Representative. “They have rejected three offers because they believe they deserve better. These members work hard, and they are standing together for fair wage increases that respect and recognize the work they do.”
USW Local 8740 members do important work in the metals recycling industry. They are standing together on the picket line for a fair agreement that recognizes their contribution and provides meaningful wage increases.
“The recycling plant supplies the feed that keeps the mill running, yet our USW Local 8740 members are paid significantly less than their USW-represented colleagues working just across the fence at the mill,” said Hayden.
“We have members who have worked at the recycling plant for 40 years, reached the highest-paying classification and are still earning $9 to $10 an hour less than a newly hired labourer at the mill. That gap speaks for itself. These members deserve wages that recognize their experience, their contribution and the value of the work they do,” added Hayden.
The union remains ready to return to the bargaining table and reach a fair collective agreement.
About the United Steelworkers union
The USW represents 225,000 members in nearly every economic sector across Canada and is the largest private-sector union in North America, with 850,000 members in Canada, the United States and the Caribbean.
Each year, thousands of workers choose to join the USW because of the union’s strong track record in creating healthier, safer and more respectful workplaces and negotiating better working conditions and fairer compensation – including good wages, benefits and pensions.
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