Union ‘cautiously optimistic’ about U.S. Steel Canada sale agreement

By Caroline Salls

Pittsburgh, Nov. 2 – The agreement for the sale of U.S. Steel Canada, Inc. to Bedrock Industries Group LLC has the United Steelworkers (USW) “cautiously optimistic,” according to a union news release.

“We believe the agreements reached by Bedrock Industries – first with the Ontario government and now with U.S. Steel – represent the best opportunity to date for the restructuring and continued operation of U.S. Steel Canada facilities,” USW Ontario director Marty Warren said in the release.

“We are cautiously optimistic that the agreement between Bedrock Industries and U.S. Steel can be a positive step towards a successful restructuring of the former Stelco operations in Hamilton and Nanticoke.

“However, there are outstanding issues that must be addressed, including negotiating new collective agreements with our local unions that secure jobs and provide protection to our retirees, as our members will have the final say through a ratification vote.”

The union said the Ontario government welcomed the Bedrock Industries-U.S. Steel agreement, stating, “Another important step has been taken toward the completion of USSC’s restructuring that will save jobs, protect pensions and assist in providing post-employment benefits for active and retired employees.”

The province reached a framework agreement with Bedrock in September to facilitate a U.S. Steel Canada restructuring.

Hamilton, Ont.-based U.S. Steel Canada’s operations are located at Lake Erie Works, a fully integrated steelmaking facility, and at Hamilton Works, a cokemaking and finishing facility.

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