Hundreds of workers at Stelco in Hamilton are facing an uncertain future as the company recently announced the indefinite shutdown of its cold-rolled and coated operations at the Hamilton Works plant. Ron Wells, the president of United Steelworkers Local 1005, mentioned that the wind-down is set to commence on October 9, resulting in approximately 350 layoffs at the Hamilton facility. The total number of layoffs could reach up to 500 when considering both the Hamilton and Lake Erie Works plant in Nanticoke, Ont.
Expressing his discontent, Wells stated, “I hate using ‘we’re disappointed’ — we’re disgusted,” during an interview with CBC Hamilton on Tuesday. The looming uncertainty is already impacting families with connections to the plant. Jillian Watt, whose husband has been a line worker at Stelco in Hamilton for 21 years, expressed concern over his uncertain employment status amid the ongoing situation.
Watt, who also serves as a union representative for Canadian Union of Public Employees healthcare workers, conveyed the stress of potential income loss, especially with four children to support. The uncertainty surrounding potential layoffs based on seniority further adds to the anxiety for families like Watt’s.
The union is also raising concerns about job commitments following Cleveland-Cliffs’ acquisition of Stelco in 2024. Wells emphasized that the agreement included a pledge to maintain the number of unionized employees for five years, urging government enforcement to uphold these commitments.
Cleveland-Cliffs has indicated that some affected workers may be offered positions at Lake Erie Works, although Wells highlighted that the available positions there fall significantly short of the potential layoffs in Hamilton. The uncertainty surrounding the duration of the layoffs has left workers questioning the future and considering alternative job options.
In response to the situation, Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed solidarity with the affected workers, condemning the company for betraying its employment commitments. Carney emphasized the government’s readiness to explore legal actions to ensure that Cleveland-Cliffs upholds its obligations.
Discussing the impact of U.S. tariffs, Carney noted the role they played in the current predicament, citing previous support for tariffs by Cleveland-Cliffs CEO Lourenco Goncalves. The news of layoffs at Stelco has sent shockwaves through the Hamilton community, with local leaders and officials expressing their commitment to protect jobs and support affected workers during this challenging period.