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16 August, 2001USWA takes extraordinary step of entering early negotiations.
CANADA: The United Steelworkers of America, representing 4,000 workers at Algoma Steel in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, reports it has accepted the request of the company to enter early negotiations to amend the collective agreement, currently in effect until July 2002. With both parties agreeing that restructuring measures are necessary, the union says its objective in taking this extraordinary step is "to ensure the survival of Algoma Steel, on terms acceptable to our membership."
The USWA insists that negotiations with the company must ensure any sacrifices made by Steelworker members be:
-equitable;
-fully recognised in the CCAA (Company Creditors Arrangement Act) Restructuring Plan;
-recoverable in the future;
-appropriate relative to contributions made by others involved in the restructuring process.
The steelmaker, which entered bankruptcy protection last April, was granted a protection order by the courts. However, as this will expire on August 24, the company plans to ask for an extension.
Employees own a 25 per cent share in Algoma Steel.
The USWA insists that negotiations with the company must ensure any sacrifices made by Steelworker members be:
-equitable;
-fully recognised in the CCAA (Company Creditors Arrangement Act) Restructuring Plan;
-recoverable in the future;
-appropriate relative to contributions made by others involved in the restructuring process.
The steelmaker, which entered bankruptcy protection last April, was granted a protection order by the courts. However, as this will expire on August 24, the company plans to ask for an extension.
Employees own a 25 per cent share in Algoma Steel.