Presidents Message - April 4, 2025

Good Evening Sisters, Brothers and Retirees.

Due to the additional 25% tariffs imposed by the U.S. on Canadian vehicles, the company has informed us that, unfortunately, seven more layoffs will take place next week. The current schedule still has approximately 11 surplus positions, and the company has indicated that scheduling decisions will continue to be made on a week-to-week basis. 

Please do not rely on rumors, there is "NO lay off plan"—if you have any questions or concerns, speak directly with a steward or reach out to me.

I spoke with Ron today, and while details are limited, he did share some potentially positive news: a new U.S. customer named ITW will be providing business for both the furnace and bundle operations. He didn’t share the exact volume but did mention it was a “decent amount.” I expect to have more details next week and will share them as soon as possible.

For those being laid off: the company has stated they will continue your medical benefits for one month from your last day of work. However, your committee disagrees with this position based on past practice and our interpretation of the benefit agreement. As a result, I filed a policy grievance yesterday, and we will continue to pursue this through the grievance procedure and, if necessary, arbitration. If you incur any medical costs after that one-month period that would normally be covered under our benefits, please retain the receipt and contact me immediately.

I’ve requested an update from the company on the current status of the Supplementary Unemployment Benefit (SUB) fund, and I believe the fund is currently fully funded. I will confirm the exact financial status as soon as I receive that information.

To help clarify eligibility 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 strongly encourage all laid-off members to utilize the Adjustment Centre at the union hall. The hours of operation is from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm They offer a wide range of free resources and training opportunities that can be very beneficial during this time. Click on the Adjustment Centre tab on the main page to get more information.

Your committee will be meeting with the company on Thursday next week for our regular monthly meeting, and we hope to have further updates to share. Please also remember that our monthly membership meeting will take place on Thursday, April 10th at 5:00 PM at the Steelworkers Centre, 1031 Barton Street East . We encourage everyone to attend and stay informed.

Wishing you a safe and restful weekend.

In solidarity,