According to the company's press release, the Hamilton facility produces wire for products such as springs, hangers and fasteners. However, as part of the restructuring, all of these operations will reportedly be relocated to Montreal in the coming weeks.
The number of workers to be relocated remains unclear
ArcelorMittal spokesperson Jean-Philippe Grou explained to CBC Hamilton that the details of the closure process have not yet been finalized and that an employer-union committee will work together on the number of employees that can be moved, the closure date and next steps.
Mike Hnatjuk, president of the United Steel Workers (USW) Local 5328 union, stated that they represent about 100 workers in Hamilton and that this is a “terrible day” for employees. Hnatjuk added that the company had provided counselors to support the employees, who were sent home for the rest of the week and called back to work on Monday to end production.
Union will stand up for workers' rights
Hnatjuk stated that the union will negotiate the terms of the closure with the employer in the coming days, during which time they will try to secure the right of workers to work at different facilities.
Targeting competitiveness and long-term profitability
Stephane Brochu, CEO of the company, expressed in a statement that this decision was based on the goal of increasing competitiveness and ensuring sustainable profitability in wire drawing activities. "Closing a plant is never easy. However, our priority is to provide all the necessary support to our employees affected by this process," Brochu stated.
With this decision, ArcelorMittal Long Products Canada will now operate its wire production activities exclusively from its Montreal facility.
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