Good evening members and retirees of USW Local 5328.

 I’m sorry to report layoffs for next week, due  to the rod shortage. 

 I will quote the company’s info! As of 8:30 this morning! 

“We expect a two or three week layoff as we will receive the high carbon rod from Germany on or about April 11. It will take about 4 or 5 days to anneal, clean and draw the material for oil temper”. 

 They do expect some trucks to delivery other rod grades in the coming weeks to get things back up to being close to normal but the issues at Contrecoeur continue but are getting better. The company expects half of the regular shipment for the month of April. 

 We were also told there is another shipment of high carbon rod coming from Germany 5 weeks behind the first.  Let’s keep our fingers crossed but don’t hold your breath!!! 

 I would encourage those being laid off to apply for EI right away!  If you have more than 18 months service, you will receive 1 credit for each week over 18 months for SUB pay. SUB pay is $150.00 per week for each credit you have.  

 Summer shutdown. The two week shutdown is now reduced to one week, week of July 3. There is now a Christmas shutdown week of Dec 25.  Those on 8 hours will have 24 hours from the summer shutdown slotted to Christmas and you now have 2 single days to book.  See Ron Watkins to book those days. Those on 12 hour shifts will have 24 hours from summer shutdown slotted to Christmas week as well.  A/C crew are scheduled to work December 23 then return on January 2, 2023. 

Those on B/D crews will finish on December 22 and return on January 4, 2023.  Just a hunch, but the Christmas shutdown may change!!  I’m sure they will ask many to work the week and have people come in to start up furnaces and oil temp. 
This must be determined well in advance as vacations can not be sold!  

 As long as restrictions stay lifted, we will be having a June Social! The theme, Retiree recognition! They are who help build our business and build our union! It will be a night of thanks to them! 

 Our next membership meeting is April 14 at 5:00pm. 

 Congratulations to Paul Chetwynd and Pasquale Cavichia on their retirements!! Enjoy life my brothers!  

 Have a great and safe weekend!

In solidarity, 

Anthony Ciaramella 
President
USW Local 5328