Stelco to layoff hundreds at Hamilton steel plant, union estimates 350
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 hundreds of employees at its Hamilton steel plant, with union estimates suggesting around 350 job losses. The company has announced plans to idle its finishing operations in the city and focus steel production at its Lake Erie Works plant in Haldimand, Ontario. United Steelworkers Local 1005, representing the affected workers, believes the layoffs will be closer to 350, though the company reported that about 500 production staff will be affected.
The reason behind the layoffs is attributed to U.S. tariffs on steel, along with the lack of steel imports from other countries. Stelco claims that the price for coated products is "very low" due to the ongoing tariffs, making it impossible for them to make a profit in the current conditions. The counter-tariffs implemented by the Canadian government and quotas on steel from foreign countries aren't deemed strong enough by union president Ron Wells.
Prime Minister Mark Carney's government and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre have both criticized the decision, calling for stronger action to support steelworkers.
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