Layoffs at Stelco underway, and will roll out over 3 weeks, says union president
Stelco is initiating a series of layoffs affecting hundreds of workers in Hamilton and Nanticoke, Ontario. Union leaders have expressed anger, suggesting the company is using the layoffs as a political tool to influence U.S. trade policy.
Why it matters
The situation highlights the intersection of industrial labor, corporate strategy, and the impact of international trade tariffs on local economies.
Not all workers have been formally notified, said Ron Wells, president of United Steelworkers Local 1005, which covers Stelco workers in Hamilton. But he said "people have a general idea" of whether or not their job is on the line.
Wells said Wednesday that a batch of layoffs is expected this week, with another the following week and a final group the week after that. One worker, Jordan Williams, told CBC Hamilton that he received his notice on Wednesday, coming into effect Sunday.
In total, Wells expects 300 to 350 layoffs in Hamilton, with more at Stelco's Lake Erie Works in Nanticoke, which is covered by a different union local.
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