U.S. Steel to close Hamilton steel operations

petros

The Central Scrutinizer
Nov 21, 2008
108,748
11,086
113
Low Earth Orbit
A coke fired plant iron/steel works isn't practical when scrap steel cooked with electric metal arc furnaces can recycle at a rate of 220Mt/hra furnace.
 

tay

Hall of Fame Member
May 20, 2012
11,548
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36
The federal Conservative government must accept its responsibility for 20,000 pensioners who are immediately losing critical health benefits and prescription drug coverage, the United Steelworkers (USW) says.

"There will be 20,000 pensioners waking up tomorrow without health benefits and prescription drug coverage, because of the Harper government's secret deals with U.S. Steel. It's a disgrace," said USW Ontario Director Marty Warren.

"We're calling on Stephen Harper to directly address this crisis and to take meaningful action – before October 19th," Warren said.

The United Steelworkers (USW) will continue to fight to protect U.S. Steel Canada workers and pensioners, following a court ruling today allowing the company to stop paying health and other benefits.

Pensioners are expected to lose their benefits at midnight tonight.

"U.S. Steel and the federal government must be condemned in the strongest possible terms for callously abandoning their commitments and responsibilities, particularly to some of the most vulnerable residents of our communities," Warren said.

"We will continue to pursue every avenue at our disposal to defend the jobs, pensions and benefits of our members and pensioners," he said following the Ontario Superior Court ruling in U.S. Steel Canada's bankruptcy protection proceedings.

The decision by Superior Court Justice Herman Wilton-Siegel approved a plan for U.S. Steel Canada to be severed from parent company U.S. Steel.

The court-sanctioned plan also allows U.S. Steel Canada to stop paying for health and prescription drug benefits for more than 20,000 pensioners, as well as to stop paying municipal taxes to the City of Hamilton and Haldimand County.

"U.S. Steel caused this crisis because it set up its Canadian operations to fail," said Gary Howe, President of USW Local 1005 in Hamilton.

"Now U.S. Steel is walking away from this devastation, while U.S. Steel Canada's restructuring plan targets thousands of vulnerable and sick pensioners by taking away the medical benefits and prescription medications they desperately need," Howe said.

"Our federal government allowed U.S. Steel to take over some of the most modern and efficient steelmaking facilities in North America, based on legal commitments to workers, pensioners and communities," said USW Local 8782 President Bill Ferguson, representing workers at U.S. Steel Canada's Nanticoke operations.

"The Conservative government allowed U.S. Steel to starve our operations, export our work to the U.S. and break all of its obligations to maintain jobs and production in Canada. It's time for this government to step up – before this election – and help us save and rebuild this industry," Ferguson said.

"The United Steelworkers is committed to building a prosperous Canadian steelmaking company again," said Warren.

"We are committed to reversing the damage caused by U.S. Steel and the Conservative government. We need our government to finally stand up for Canadian workers, pensioners and communities," he said.

Warren noted that the USW has had discussions with Ontario government officials and the province will provide $3 million for a hardship fund to help U.S. Steel pensioners pay for health care and prescription drug costs. The fund is expected to cover costs for six months, he said.

"We are exploring other possibilities and arrangements to help address these issues and we will continue to communicate with our members and pensioners accordingly," he said.

20,000 pensioned steelworkers lose critical health and drug benefits
 

EagleSmack

Hall of Fame Member
Feb 16, 2005
44,168
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48
USA
Question... how are Canadians losing health care coverage in Canada? I thought everyone had it and it is free?
 

AnnaG

Hall of Fame Member
Jul 5, 2009
17,507
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Question... how are Canadians losing health care coverage in Canada? I thought everyone had it and it is free?
Well, it isn't free for most because they pay health insurance premiums. The thing with some private companies is that their insurance companies will cover prescriptions and services (for employees only) that our "free" gov't insurances won't cover.
 

damngrumpy

Executive Branch Member
Mar 16, 2005
9,949
21
38
kelowna bc
Many members of the Harper Government may be waking up and not having
a trough to feed at either. Vote ABC anyone but Conservative that is the
message.
Steel Workers deserve better and you know i hope we get a government that
says No to TPP We must protect our resources and get the most for them
 

Walter

Hall of Fame Member
Jan 28, 2007
34,843
92
48
Many members of the Harper Government may be waking up and not having
a trough to feed at either. Vote ABC anyone but Conservative that is the
message.
Steel Workers deserve better and you know i hope we get a government that
says No to TPP We must protect our resources and get the most for them
It is the Wynne gubmint that failed the steel werkers.
 

captain morgan

Hall of Fame Member
Mar 28, 2009
28,429
146
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A Mouse Once Bit My Sister
It is the Wynne gubmint that failed the steel werkers.

Take that back right now!

... Everyone, especially grumpy, knows that this was and is all Harper... In fact, I am pretty certain that Harper was responsible for the Black Plague a few centuries back... Just another reason, not to support the Conservatives - spreading the Plague and causing the extinction of woolly mammoths
 

IdRatherBeSkiing

Satelitte Radio Addict
May 28, 2007
14,582
2,318
113
Toronto, ON
Take that back right now!

... Everyone, especially grumpy, knows that this was and is all Harper... In fact, I am pretty certain that Harper was responsible for the Black Plague a few centuries back... Just another reason, not to support the Conservatives - spreading the Plague and causing the extinction of woolly mammoths

Do you think grumpy may consider voting for the NDP?
 

MHz

Time Out
Mar 16, 2007
41,030
43
48
Red Deer AB
Corner Store Industries, Last Ride Water Park and Crematorium and other Fusion works , all using local supplies and talent and outside money.

Higher than what?? Sask, most likely as we don't look for a hole in the ground until winter comes. If you ask that as a standard question to everybody you run into, . . . well, sooner or later that is going to be brought up with or without you being right there.

This is more to do with what would make a successful business for at least 20 years and have some fun along the way.I sense you are your old same self again. (hidden meaning, why wouldn't it be that way as it never changes, . . . ever)