Stelco to lay off 350 workers at Hamilton steel plant: union
The union representing workers says the company told them ongoing U.S. tariffs on steel are a primary reason for Stelco's decision to idle the plant.
Stelco is set to lay off 350 workers at its Hamilton steel plant as the company plans to idle its finishing operations in the city. The steel producer has decided to concentrate its steel production at its Lake Erie Works plant in Haldimand, Ontario. Stelco stated that it expects to absorb a significant number of laid-off Hamilton workers at the Lake Erie Works plant.
United Steelworkers Local 1005, representing the affected workers, claims the company cited U.S. tariffs on steel and the lack of steel imports from other countries as the reason for the layoffs. Union president Ron Wells believes the actual number of job losses could be closer to 350. Stelco attributes the low price of coated products to the tariffs, stating that the company cannot make a profit in the current conditions.
The Canadian government's counter-tariffs and quotas on steel from foreign countries are deemed insufficient by Wells. The trade dispute has had a significant impact on Hamilton, according to MP Ned Kuruc and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who urge Prime Minister Mark Carney to take further action.
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