President's Message - April 17, 2025

Good evening brothers, sisters, and retirees,

There’s not much new to report this week that I haven’t already covered last week. Unfortunately, there were 8 additional layoffs at the end of this week, bringing our total to 30.

The mill has been relatively quiet, with limited movement due to the furnace not pushing. However, the company expects to begin temper runs shortly and is aiming to start pushing some CHQ by Sunday. Bundling has been scheduled for only 2 shifts next week.

I am still waiting on a response from the plant manager regarding medical benefits after layoffs to determine whether we will proceed with arbitration. I am expecting an answer by mid next week.

For our laid-off members awaiting your ROEs: According to Service Canada, when issuing ROEs electronically, the company has five calendar days after the end of the pay period in which an employee’s interruption of earnings occurs. If you have not received your ROE within that time frame, please contact Human Resources or reach out to me directly as soon as possible. It’s important not to delay your application for Employment Insurance.

To help the laid off members understand the eligibility of the SUB Payments and how the plan works, here are the key details:

• To qualify for SUB payments, you must have a minimum of 18 months of service.
• After reaching 18 months, you begin to accumulate credit points at a rate of one point for every 40 hours worked.
• The number of weeks you are eligible to receive SUB benefits depends on how many credit points you have accumulated.
• For each week of SUB benefit paid, one credit point will be deducted from your balance.
• You must be eligible for and receiving Employment Insurance (EI) to receive SUB payments. The company will require proof of EI payments to process your SUB benefit payment.
• The weekly SUB benefit is $150.00 per week in any calendar month that you qualify.
• If the SUB fund’s financial position falls below 35%, the weekly benefit will be reduced to $100.00 per week until the fund is depleted.

If you have any questions or need help understanding your eligibility, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly. 

I continue to encourage everyone to make use of the Adjustment Centre at the Steelworkers Hall, as they offer a wide range of helpful services.

In solidarity,