Steelworkers Respond ArcelorMittal Plans for Contrecoeur
12/13/2007 - United Steelworkers (FTQ) representatives reflect both optimism and caution in their response to ArcelorMittal’s announced plans to build a beam mill at Contrecoeur but close the facility’s hot mill and cold mill by the end of February 2008.
Responding to ArcelorMittal’s announced intentions to build a beam mill at Contrecoeur but closing the facility’s hot mill on January 31 and the cold mill on February 29, United Steelworkers (FTQ) representatives reflected both optimism and caution.
"We are pleased to see that the 450 layoffs that have been announced—which is considerable given that there are 1000 workers in this plant—could be partially offset by the building of another plant which would employ 200 workers by 2010,” said Daniel Roy, Director for Québec, United Steelworkers (FTQ). “This steel beam mill would be the only one in Canada.
“At first glance, it is an interesting proposition’” said Roy. “We will analyze the impacts of these decisions and determine, with our members, what strategy to adopt to take care of those who may be affected".
The Assistant Director, Guy Farrell, said it was clear that the absence of modernization was a sign of layoffs or a closure in the medium or long term. "Our international union and the Québec wing have pulled out all the stops to force this company to reinvest. We are pleased to see that there is a concrete project on the table. In the meantime, we will do everything possible to minimize the negative effects generated by the layoffs."
Normand Deslauriers and Patrice Lemay, Presidents of locals 6586 and 8060, said they would be going out to meet with their members: "We'll decide with them what actions to undertake for the next chapter."
The representatives said the United Steelworkers (FTQ) would investigate all avenues to help its members, including retirement or transfer to the company's other plants in Québec.
