Stelco steelworkers contract talks stall

NANTICOKE, ONT. — Negotiations have stalled for a new collective agreement at Stelco in Nanticoke, Ont., Randy Graham, president of the United Steelworkers (USW) union, Local 8782 reported June 23.

The union filed with the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) on June 22, requesting a conciliator. Members of the union will take part in a strike authorization vote on June 27 and the current five-year collective agreement expires on June 30. Talks for a new agreement between the union and Stelco began on March 14.

Key issues at the bargaining table are wages, benefits and pensions. Over 1,000 USW members work at Stelco’s Nanticoke operations in production and skilled trades, producing hot-rolled coil steel.

“Other large Canadian industrial companies like Bombardier and ArcelorMittal Long Products are paying their workers 18 to 26 per cent increases over five or six years. Our members see that and they know they deserve to keep pace. Instead, the company is offering to shuffle around our pay and bonuses to disguise the fact that there’s only a small overall increase,” claimed Graham in a statement.

“It’s time to recognize the workers that are doing the hard work that contributes to the company’s success.”

“These steelworkers have worked hard as essential workers, throughout the pandemic,” added Myles Sullivan, USW Ontario director.

“We are bargaining in better times, and these stellar Stelco workers deserve better.”