United Steelworkers, Others Pressing Canadian Federal Government to Support Steel Industry
08/22/2016 - Calls are mounting for the Canadian federal government to step off the sidelines and take action in support of Canada’s steel industry and its employees, both retired and active, reports The Hamilton Spectator newspaper.
According to the newspaper, the United Steelworkers union, opposition lawmakers and the Chamber of Commerce are urging the government to protect jobs and benefits.
"To date, your government has not been tangibly involved in any way to help protect the jobs, benefits and pensions of current and former employees of (U.S. Steel Canada) despite commitments previously made by colleagues and the Prime Minister," wrote Members of Parliament Scott Duvall and Dave Christopherson wrote in a letter to Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains, according to The Spectator.
"Workers, pensioners, the business community and the City of Hamilton have all appealed for your help. So far, you and your government have been missing in action."
Two of Canada’s biggest steelmakers, Essar Steel Algoma and U. S. Steel Canada, are operating under creditor protection as they seek new ownership. U. S. Steel Canada has stopped paying for retiree health benefits as a way to conserve cash, a move that is being contested in Canadian court.
The Spectator has the full story here.
"To date, your government has not been tangibly involved in any way to help protect the jobs, benefits and pensions of current and former employees of (U.S. Steel Canada) despite commitments previously made by colleagues and the Prime Minister," wrote Members of Parliament Scott Duvall and Dave Christopherson wrote in a letter to Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains, according to The Spectator.
"Workers, pensioners, the business community and the City of Hamilton have all appealed for your help. So far, you and your government have been missing in action."
Two of Canada’s biggest steelmakers, Essar Steel Algoma and U. S. Steel Canada, are operating under creditor protection as they seek new ownership. U. S. Steel Canada has stopped paying for retiree health benefits as a way to conserve cash, a move that is being contested in Canadian court.
The Spectator has the full story here.
