Stelco: Poilievre calls for action against Cleveland-Cliffs

Pierre Poilievre called on Ottawa to sue Stelco’s American owner on October 9, The Canadian Press reports. He seeks the recall of workers and a production restart, or a sale to a Canadian owner willing to resume operations. [9]

A political plan

The plan published by the Conservative Party calls for enforcement of the acquisition’s employment guarantees. It also proposes action against steel imports it considers unfairly traded and the removal of industrial carbon pricing. These are opposition proposals. [8]

More than 60 jobs are expected to be affected at Lake Erie Works this month, The Haldimand Press reports on October 8. Union president John McElroy says about 20 production positions are available to affected workers, including those from Hamilton. The company has not confirmed the local total to the newspaper. [7]

Mélanie Joly sent an October 5 letter requesting a compliance plan within five business days, The Canadian Press reported on October 9. The government raises the possibility of legal action if commitments are not met. [9]

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, CHCH reports. Its September 30 report said layoffs were scheduled 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]