Stelco: Joly demands a plan within five days

Mélanie Joly is asking Cleveland-Cliffs for a compliance plan within five days, The Canadian Press reported on October 6. The letter was sent to Stelco on Monday. [6]

A demand, not a judgment

According to that report, Ottawa is considering legal action if commitments are not met. No court ruling is announced. [6]

United Steelworkers Locals 1005 and 8782 challenged Cleveland-Cliffs’ explanation for planned Stelco layoffs on October 1. They ask the federal government to enforce commitments made when the company was acquired. [4]

On September 29, Mark Carney pledged action against Cleveland-Cliffs following announced layoffs at Stelco, CHCH reports. The layoffs are due to begin on October 9. [1]

Earlier commitments

When announcing the acquisition in July 2024, Cleveland-Cliffs pledged to maintain significant operations in Hamilton and Nanticoke and significant employment levels in Canada. [2]

CEO Lourenco Goncalves cites weak demand, Global News reports. [3]

An uncertain outcome

CHCH reports a worker’s concerns and notes that legal action would take time. Neither job retention nor a court outcome is guaranteed. [1]

The October 1 report

In its October 1 report, The Canadian Press corroborated the union statement and said the company had not immediately responded to its request for comment. The union’s allegations are not a court finding. [5]