Layoffs are currently happening at Stelco’s steel plant in Hamilton and are anticipated to occur over a three-week period. While not all employees have been formally informed, Ron Wells, the president of United Steelworkers Local 1005 representing Stelco workers in Hamilton, mentioned that most individuals have a sense of whether their jobs are at risk.
According to Wells, the layoff process involves a series of phases, with one set of layoffs projected for this week, followed by another next week, and a final group the subsequent week. Jordan Williams, a worker at Stelco, shared that he received his layoff notice on Wednesday, effective starting Sunday.
In Hamilton, Wells estimates that around 300 to 350 employees will be laid off, with additional layoffs expected at Stelco’s Lake Erie Works in Nanticoke under a different union local. Due to recent changes in Ontario’s Employment Standards Act, companies are now allowed to implement temporary layoffs of less than 35 weeks without prior notice, resulting in employees receiving notice and being laid off on the same day.
Wells expressed concerns about the impact on workers’ livelihoods, emphasizing the mix of worry and anger among the workforce. He criticized the decision to downsize, attributing it to political maneuvering rather than genuine necessity, particularly pointing to the stance of Stelco’s owner, Cleveland-Cliffs, in aligning with tariff support.
In response to the layoffs, Trade Minister Mélanie Joly issued a warning to Stelco, giving them a five-day ultimatum to present a job retention plan, or face legal repercussions under the Investment Canada Act. Despite these developments, Stelco did not respond to requests for comment from CBC Hamilton.
The layoffs have broader implications beyond the directly affected employees, as highlighted by Bernard Tompkins, a contractor at Stelco, who emphasized the potential ripple effect on various trades and supporting industries. Tompkins, also a boilermaker and city council candidate, mentioned ongoing discussions within his union about offering internships to displaced workers to help them transition to other job opportunities.
On a positive note, government initiatives are providing support for affected workers, with $203,000 allocated for job retraining for 75 individuals in the steel and manufacturing sectors through Learning Connections Hamilton. This program aims to equip participants with new skills and certifications to facilitate their transition to in-demand career paths.
Local authorities are also stepping in to assist laid-off workers, with Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath unveiling a tariff-response plan to alleviate financial burdens, such as property tax increases and emergency tax deferrals for those facing difficulties in meeting city obligations. Horwath emphasized the need for swift government action to safeguard jobs and support impacted families in the wake of the Stelco layoffs.
