Hundreds of employees at Stelco in Hamilton are facing an uncertain future following the company’s announcement that it will indefinitely halt its cold-rolled and coated operations at the Hamilton Works plant. Ron Wells, the president of United Steelworkers Local 1005, stated that the wind-down is set to commence on October 9, with approximately 350 workers expected to be laid off from the Hamilton facility. The total number of layoffs could reach up to 500 between the Hamilton and Lake Erie Works plant in Nanticoke, Ontario, according to Wells.
Expressing deep disappointment, Wells conveyed to CBC Hamilton that the situation was more than just disappointing, it was “disgusting.” The looming uncertainty has already started affecting families associated with the plant. Jillian Watt, whose husband has been a Stelco employee in Hamilton for 21 years, shared her concerns about the lack of communication regarding potential layoffs.
Watt, also a union representative for Canadian Union of Public Employees health workers, highlighted the stress of the unknown outcomes, especially if layoffs are based on seniority, potentially impacting their family’s primary income source. She described the situation as a “kick to the gut” for both of them.
Regarding job commitments, Wells mentioned that the union was informed about the layoffs during a meeting with the company and revealed workers’ concerns about the duration of the layoffs and the lack of clarity on when they might end. The company indicated that some affected employees might be offered positions at Lake Erie Works in Nanticoke; however, Wells criticized the limited job openings there compared to the potential layoffs in Hamilton.
Wells also questioned the commitments made by Cleveland-Cliffs when it acquired Stelco in 2024, emphasizing the agreement to maintain the number of unionized employees for five years and urging the federal government to enforce it. The situation drew attention from Prime Minister Mark Carney, who expressed solidarity with the impacted workers and families, mentioning the government’s intent to ensure Cleveland-Cliffs fulfills its legal obligations for employment.
Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath vowed to fight to uphold commitments made to workers and protect jobs, emphasizing the city’s collaboration with federal and provincial governments in response to the layoffs. Various political figures and industry representatives expressed concern and commitment to supporting the affected workers and the local economy during this challenging period.
For Watt and many others in Hamilton, the announcement signifies a trying time for a city deeply tied to its steel industry heritage. The impact of the decision is expected to have far-reaching consequences, raising fears and uncertainties among workers and their families.
