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6565 YearsYears andand StillStill FightingFighting CONGRATULATIONS! On the occasion of the 65th built before us to which we Anniversary celebration contribute throughout our of USW Local 1005, the lives. We are determined to go Executive of Local 1005 greets forward to a secure future for all its members, pensioners, ourselves, our children and pensioner's spouses, the grandchildren. We did not entire labour movement and inherit the Spirit of '46 to leave all of Hamilton. this world in worse shape than During World War II and what we were given. in 1946, Stelco steelworkers of Local 1005 stood as one with We thank all of our members for upholding the Spirit of '46 their community and country to fight for a better world for them- and fighting for themselves and others. We thank the trade union selves and others. They built a better world through their heroic movement, the Hamilton community and others across Canada struggles during the war against fascism, in '46 and throughout for standing with us in defending our rights and the rights of all. the years. We firmly believe that our security lies in our struggle to defend In 2011, we steelworkers are determined to defend what they our rights and the rights of all. Manufacturing Yes! Nation-Wrecking No! Keep Stelco Producing! Keep Hamilton Producing! Keep Canada Producing!

By BillTHE Mahoney, SPIRITResident Poet, Local OF 1005 July ’46 23, 2011 IT STARTED WITH From the struggle of ‘46 the spirit still lives on, A WHISPER Although many of our veterans are dead and gone. t started as a whisper They fought for social justice and for workers’ rights. Ion the shop floor! Sixty-five years later we still fight the fights. Building a union They fought for decent wages, benefits and a pension plan. was not an easy A working life with dignity for each woman and man, task. Everyone knew Showing the way for others right across the land. that the Company Now all across the country, workers are under attack. did not take kindly Without a strong union, how would you fight back? to union activism. Companies want your dignity; Companies want your pride. Unemployment was How could you fight the bastards with no one on your side? the consequence of Would you go crawling on your hands and knees being caught, yet many To the foreign master to do with as they please? workers pushed for Companies want your loyalty and your sweat and blood. a union that would But when your working life is over they dump you in the mud. give them some power For all the gains we have made, we fought long and hard. over their situation. If we now gave up an inch the company would want a yard. It is a testament to U.S. Steel said buying us would be a benefit. their perseverance and They’ve been here for three long years and we ain’t seen it yet. courage that the Union They want to rob the elderly; they want to rob the young. survived those first They will try to do it with a pen if they can’t use a gun. years. It also underscores 1005 stood up to them that is something they hate. the conditions that So on November 7th they locked up the gate. prevailed on the shop We proud Steelworkers from Local 1005, floor that so many They can’t steal our dignity, they can’t steal our pride. people would risk their success since Stelco unionism. So it was We are going to stand up and fight back all the way. job to fight for change. refused to officially not surprising that the When you mess with 1005 you have hell to pay. Local 1005 of the recognize or bargain whisper finally grew into We will have many stories to tell to our kids; United Steelworkers with the union. Stelco a roar . . . with the great Of times spent on the picket line and when we held the bridge. of America (u.s.w.a.) continued to do strike of 1946! When future generations talk about the fight, was officially chartered everthing in its power – from the Introduction, They will say we had the courage to stand up for what is right. in 1942, yet had little to stop the growth of It Started with a Whisper TOONIES FOR BILLBOARDS CAMPAIGN Thank You, Hamilton!

Visit our booth at Gage Park The Spirit of '46 Standing as One for Union Recognition Interview – Rolf Gerstenberger

Rolf Gerstenberger: I welcome t the July 13 Monthly Membership meeting the decision was taken that the federal government, this special meeting. It is a mat- which permitted the sale of ter of principle that we follow Ato hold a special membership meeting on August 3. The meeting Stelco to U.S. Steel, and the due process to consider every- is held at the request of 13 members who wrote a letter asking for such Ontario government, which one’s concerns. a meeting to consider the question: “Do you support the Negotiating made all the pledges about the Information Update: The issue pension regime should hold has been raised that after eight Committee's current strategy?” U.S. Steel to account. The aim months locked out, the union We asked Local 1005 President Rolf Gerstenberger to comment on of this Cold War method is to needs an exit strategy. Can you sow doubt in the integrity of elaborate? the special meeting. those who resist so as to isolate them. In this way, the work- Rolf: There is a sort of panic membership meeting, it was how can we claim we are demo- to the U.S. and this kind of ers are blamed for their own created that we need an exit in fact you who made sure at cratic and have the consent of thing. Can you comment? plight. It is suggested they have strategy and what is the union's previous membership meet- the people who elected us? Rolf: One of the angles is that a choice, to cave, as if U.S. Steel exit strategy. Arguments put ings that those who oppose the There is also another so-called union bosses are self- will then have their interests forward at the monthly mem- union strategy knew the cor- important principle involved. serving and hold union mem- at heart, will restart the blast bership meeting by those re- rect constitutional procedure to If everyone does not have a seat bers for ransom. According to furnace and not trample on questing the special meeting follow to raise their concerns. at the table, then it is always what is called the mainstream Stelco workers’ rights anymore! include that the workers' EI Rolf: Yes, of course. The union possible that specific concerns media, union bosses, and com- All of this is to isolate not just will soon be running out; that executive has taken a firm will not be addressed. This is pany bosses are the same. myself but also the union's just workers are losing their homes; stand against any attempt to not necessarily anyone's fault, Besides the obvious aspect, cause and, more importantly, that it is not realistic to resist criminalize people for their but it does explain why the which is to imbue everyone it is done precisely because because U.S. Steel employees in views. We do not follow the union executive takes so much with anti-union prejudice, all the union's strategy is a win- the U.S. have all given up their George W. Bush dictum that ei- time talking to people, finding of this is to divert the workers ning strategy. Otherwise, there indexing, so this is not a fight ther you are with us or you are out about their particular from looking at how problems would be no need for these that we can win here in Hamil- against us. The important thing situation, what they think really pose themselves. For psyop shenanigans, talk of dis- ton. One worker said that he is is to stand together in defence should be done and working instance, one of the Hamilton sidents and caving. voting to save his house. of the rights of all. Working out tactics to address their Spectator journalists has started You asked me what I think - IU: It is interesting that the out what precisely the interests needs. Without this hard work, this nonsense that a handful of well, I think it is the company Hamilton Spectator journal- of the workers are within the then it is quite possible some disgruntled workers at Stelco that needs an exit strategy. We ist is trying to rally the few circumstances and how to de- people's interests would not are "dissidents." The term "dis- have been working hard to by labelling them dissidents. fend them is how we have made be taken into account. We ask sident" is a loaded Cold War provide ourselves with a win- Perhaps he fancies himself the serious headway so far, such as everyone to consider what term. It implies that legitimate ning strategy. We are working Pied Piper of the U.S. National getting Employment Insurance everyone else has to say and fighters for democracy are be- hard to put the full weight of Endowment for Democracy to recognize that this is a phony make up their own minds ing suppressed by an authori- not only the union, but also (NED) and thinks Local 1005 lockout. (See EI decision p. 12). about what can be done. tarian regime or personality. Hamilton and all of Canada for needs a coloured revolution. In the case of Stelco, it is an that matter behind the demand IU: You were elected President Psyops Clearly, there are those who insinuation that because I am to keep Stelco producing, to on a platform of opposing have never accepted the fact IU: Throughout these nine a Marxist-Leninist, then neces- insist U.S. Steel end its phoney secret deals. Since then you that the workers elected you months and during all the years sarily I am anti-democratic and lockout and negotiate in good have made sure everything is knowing full well that you are under bankruptcy protec- run roughshod over everyone faith. As far as exiting goes, discussed by the workers. a Marxist-Leninist and would tion before that, workers have and that somehow these work- stand up for them under these we never wanted to be in this Rolf: Unless people can raise been subjected to tremendous ers are being suppressed. It difficult circumstances and situation in the first place. Of their concerns and deliberate psyops or psychological war- completely turns truth on its have in fact done so since course we want to exit but this on how to deal with the prob- fare. The psyops campaigns head to divert from the fact 2003, throughout bankruptcy does not mean there is an easy lems that we face and have blame steelworkers for damag- that it is U.S. Steel which is protection and into the U.S. button. confidence that together we are ing the economy, cratering the anti-democratic and is running Steel regime. IU: As concerns the special working out what can be done, company, having jobs removed roughshod over everyone, and Continued on next page

THANK YOU • THANK YOU • THANK YOU • THANK YOU • THANK YOU • THANK YOU • THANK A A BETTER PLACE EATERY • ACETI RESTAURANT • AMALGAMATED TRANSIT UNION LOCAL 107 • AMALGAMATED TRANSIT Information UNION LOCAL 113 • ANDREW KING • ART WALLING • ASSANTE WEALTH MANAGEMENT • ATTIC PIZZA B BARB MARLER UPDATE BC SOLIDARITY FUND • BEAVER & BULLDOG • BEAVER & BULLDOG BURLINGTON • BILL HAPUR • BILL STETSON • BILL July 23, 2011 • Issue #25 THOMPSON • BILLBOARD CONTRIBUTIONS • BL SOLIDARITY FIRST • BOSTON PIZZA • BRASSIE BAR, ANCASTER • BRYAN ADAMZYK • BRYAN PRINCE BOOKSELLER C CABLE 14 • CANADA EMPLOYMENT IMMIGRATION UNION 613 • CANADIAN USWA Local 1005 350 Kenilworth Avenue North, PUBLIC OPERATORS 4207 • CANADIAN PUBLIC WORKERS • CANADIAN STAFF UNION • CARMENS BANQUET CENTER • Hamilton, ON L8H 4T3 CAROL SALCICCIOLI • CARPENTERS LOCAL 18 • CARPENTERS LOCAL 27 • CAVALLUZZO, HAYES • CAW LOCAL 199 • CAW LOCAL 222 •CAW LOCAL 27 • CAW LOCAL 504 • CAW LOCAL 523 • CAW LOCAL 555 • CAW LOCAL 707 • CAW LOCAL 79 • CAW Tel: (905)547-1417 NATIONAL • CAW NIAGARA REGIONAL RETIRED • CEP 87 -M • CEP LOCAL 444 • CEP LOCAL 8833 • CEP ONTARIO AREA 10 FAX: (905)547-6238 • CEPU-SCEP LOCAL 24 • CHRIS LEAVITT • CHSMC MANAGEMENT (CAVALLUZZO) • CHSMEE • CHUGGY, STONEY CREEK • E-mail: [email protected] CHUGGY'S TAP & GRILL • CLC • CLC CONVENTION SALE HATS • CLOUD NINE COOKERY • CLS RALLY SUPPORT • CONCES- Visit our website SION MEDICAL PHARMACY • COPE 343 • COPYDOG • CORNWALL DISTRICT LABOUR COUNCIL • CORRECTION OFFICERS • www.uswa1005.ca COUNTRY MEATS • CUPE LOCAL 0998 • CUPE LOCAL 1065 • CUPE LOCAL 1281 • CUPE LOCAL 1287 • CUPE LOCAL 1404 • CUPE Layout & Design LOCAL 1800 • CUPE LOCAL 3902 • CUPE LOCAL 3906 • CUPE LOCAL 4153 • CUPE LOCAL 4207 • CUPE LOCAL 4600 • CUPE LO- Voice of Steel Productions CAL 5167 • CUPE LOCAL 7800 • CUPE SCFP • CUPW NATIONAL LOCAL 548 D DANNY'S NO FRILLS • DAVID JACOBS • DAVID Photography MURPHY • DAVID PONLLE • DENISE DOYLE-CHRISTOPERSON • DEPALO, JOHN • DIANE ALLIE • DIANE ALYC • DISCOUNT Les Wiatrowski, Emily Groom, and many others TRUCKS UPPER JAMES • DIZZY WEASEL • DON WELLS • DOROTHY DESROCHES • ED APPS • ELLEN URQHART • END ZONE Cartoons RESTAURANT • ERIC MAIRINGER • ERNIE TAYLOR • ETFO DURHAM • ETFO HALTON • ETFO ONTARIO • EVENT LABOR Paul Ferris, A.G. Smith WORKS F FIGUEIRA TENTS • FIRST ONTARIO CREDIT UNION Standing as One for Union Recognition Continued from page 3 lockout. It is a phoney lockout. here, not scrap to be traded Thursday Meetings Rolf: When I was elected, I said It has already been ruled a on the open market where there were no geniuses in this phoney lockout, a situation everyone haggles over the best world. I was willing to do the that was a shutdown by the deal for him or herself at the job if everyone was willing to company’s own admission and expense of everyone else. We stand with me and work out to avert taking responsibility will not stoop to selling out together what has to be done. for shutting the place down, the our mothers because we are And they have. Even the fact company used the end of the told that is what is realistic. It that the Stelco bankruptcy was contract to impose a lockout. is unconscionable. a fraud was revealed because Also, workers should not lose IU: Some workers are hoping we fought, otherwise nobody from sight that to talk about that we can find something the would be any the wiser about quid pro quos is itself not real- he Thursday meeting is a create an atmosphere where company will accept to make it what was happening in that istic because the company has Tweekly forum established people can speak freely. by the union president eight bankruptcy court. It is pos- worthwhile giving up the new refused to negotiate. The com- Everyone who wants to years ago. Everyone is wel- speak is recognized. Nobody sible that all use of the Compa- hires and indexing. Can you pany said: give up indexing and come to come there and dis- is permitted to attack the nies Creditor Arrangement Act comment? new hires and only then will we cuss the union's strategy and views of others. A person can (CCAA) is a fraud to simply Rolf: The mind can go through consider anything else. That is what they think should be speak a second time after all concentrate wealth in fewer not negotiating in good faith. the combinations and per- done to solve the problems others who want to speak There are no negotiations. The facing union members and hands, get rid of all liabilities, mutations. Give up indexing, have spoken. The meetings company simply came to the retirees in a manner which force workers to give conces- keep new hires. Give up new provide the workers with all room, declared that we must favours them. The meeting is sions, especially on pensions, hires (whom we are told are the information they need to agree to these concessions as a open to discussing anything and make a big score for some not real workers anyway!) and condition for any discussions the workers want, including analyze the unfolding events at the expense of the many. keep indexing. One scheme and deliberate on the mat- to take place. the concerns of the city of Hamilton, other sectors of ters of concern. Attendance IU: Is this legal in Canada? We workers under attack and so ranges from 60 to 150 were taken to court against oc- on. A process is followed to workers on any given day. cupying the lift bridge to stop U.S. Steel removing the coke produced in Hamilton. The judge ruled that in Canada you cannot hold another party for ransom. Rolf: We have said Canada and In 2003-2004, USW Local 1005 courageously fought the CCAA maneou- its working people need a rule vre of Stelco and exposed it for the fraud it was. Photo shows a delegation of law they can count on. We of the Hamilton steelworkers demonstrating at the Toronto court. have drawn a line in the sand to say that holding workers for But it is only the Stelco case so has us working out a fair trade: ransom to give up everything far that is widely considered keep indexing for pensioners they have worked for is not a fraud because everything or spouses who receive less realistic; it is not sustainable. the union said, such as right than $1,000 a month. That is How can language be used from the beginning that the considered a moral position to promote irrationality say- an $8.6 million “bonus” and ing Stelco because we cost too sky was not falling, came true. the company can't refuse. In ing that it is “realistic” to give we are supposed to consider much, we would be $80,000 Just after entering CCAA in exchange, we should get the concessions and to keep on ourselves lucky because this is poorer today. A 20 per cent the first quarter of 2004, Stelco company to agree to recognize less than other CEOs receive. It giving. You give an inch and cut was $5.00 an hour, $10,000 suffered from what we called an our demand for pension credits is not acceptable. these people become rulers. A a year amounting to $80,000 embarrassment of riches. But during layoff time. This is one realistic view of the situation in the eight year period since this itself only became a mat- of our longstanding demands – The Bottom Line 2003 when Alfano asked for it. where concessions have been ter of public record because we that workers who have over 30 For the workers, our stand given shows that there is no end To cut a long story short, the fought. Otherwise all this kind years service but are short pen- against Alfano and during to demands to give more. The bottom line is that we are of information does not make sion credits because they were CCAA is what it means to workers will always be blamed fighting for union recognition it into the public domain in any all over again, just as in '46. be realistic. We welcome the laid off one, two or more years for costing too much. Even way that finds an expression in We are calling on everyone to meeting August 3 and call on be given credit and be allowed slavery was abandoned be- the minds of the workers. stand with the union. If our everyone to attend. Meanwhile, to retire without losing on their cause it was costing the slave- The retirees at AbitibiBowa- fathers and grandfathers had we are particularly enthusiastic full pension.. owners too much to feed the ter also fought and revealed not stood firm in '46 and de- about the celebration of the We are told these kinds of slaves. A system of wage slavery how bankruptcy protection feated every company attempt 65th anniversary of the found- considerations are realistic but was invented. The workers was used to make a big score to not recognize the union as ing of 1005. As you know, we in fact, they do not even take must be paid enough to feed there and the same goes for the the bargaining agent for the were actually constituted before into consideration that it is the themselves, clothe themselves, restructuring in the auto indus- workers, then the better part that but our founding is linked company which locked us out. educate themselves, look after try and across the board. Look of the standard of living for to the strike of '46 when Local If it wants to be in production, themselves in sickness and in at the scandalous situation at workers in Hamilton would 1005 proudly stood its ground we are not stopping it. It could health. Nortel. (See article page 11). not exist. The same was the to win union recognition. We extend the current contract Now this is costing the own- IU: What do you think is the case under CCAA when CEO broke new ground then and while negotiations take place. ers too much and we are sup- bottom line here? Pratt demanded day and night we are fighting all over again to But more importantly, these posed to compete with cheaper that Stelco steelworkers must break new ground today. Times Rolf: There is no easy button. kinds of considerations make labour at home and abroad. For negotiate under the rules of the have changed but the need to Everyone hopes they can take one very cynical. One totally what? To guarantee that CEO CCAA and give up their collec- stand as one if we want our a pill and their headache will loses from sight that we are John Surma receives his salary tive agreements and Ontario interests recognized has not. go away. But if what you have is dealing with real human beings of $12.1 million that included Labour Law. We refused to go The special meeting is an more serious like a migraine, it along and defended our collec- occasion for everyone to address may not be that simple. We all tive agreement and pensions. the union strategy and say what want to get back to work. There We are now waging a similar they think and of course they is no doubt about that. We did fight all over again with a dif- can vote to oppose it if that is not want the blast furnace to be ferent ownership group. what they want to do. But it is shut down and for us to be laid Just to give you an example. also an occasion to stand with off in the first place. We even If in 2003, we had agreed to the union and make a strong offered a stand pat agreement cut our wages by 20 per cent statement that the company because we want to be working. as Stelco CEO Jim Alfano was must recognize the union as the But U.S. Steel shut the gates asking for in the name of us not bargaining agent and begin to anyway. This is not even a February 27, 2004 rally and march, one of many, in Hamilton against CCAA fraud. being responsible for crater- bargain in good faith. 4 / Information Update / July 2011 The Union’s Winning Strategy f the Union had not taken The company was not bankrupt Superintendent of Finance to ties and break contracts when CCAA and we are still fighting. the interests of the workers or approaching bankruptcy. undertake all kinds of com- the workers don't get the same If we stop fighting and cave, the as its guiding principle, it Low steel prices in 2002 and mitments including pensions consideration when they can't moral high ground amounts to could have caved in 2003 early 2003 were now climbing when U.S. Steel purchased meet their mortgage payments? nothing. These companies smell Iwhen Stelco CEO Jim Alfano and the so-called bankrupt Stelco. Those commitments are Sorry Mr. Bank Manager, when blood and come for more. The said we should give up 20 per company was suffering an legally binding until December I signed the mortgage, I did not pressure to cave always becomes cent in wages and benefits and embarrassment of riches. The 31, 2015. The union is insisting know that I and then my spouse greater when a winning strategy agree to an increase of 30 per CCAA was a fraud and the the government of Ontario as would lose our jobs and that we is having some effect. It was the cent in productivity. The Union company merely wanted to party to that agreement carry would not be able to pay our same during CCAA when our said no. A 20 per cent wage renege on its obligations, yet it out its responsibilities toward mortgages. So can we still keep just stand not to reopen the col- cut alone would have meant told the union to be realistic. its commitments. We want a the house? Either the govern- lective agreement caused some the loss of $5.00 an hour or To save the company we had to rule of law worthy of the name ment forces U.S. Steel to stick to in the Senate to say that CCAA $10,000 a year. Times eight be realistic and make conces- where a contract is a contract its deal or it loses Stelco. Either should be strengthened to force years, it means all of us would sions. We were told we would not something that can be dis- it pays the workers' wages and workers to open their contracts have been $80,000 poorer be responsible for cratering carded on a whim or because mortgages during these “bad and give concessions. today. In addition to the wage Stelco if we refused. We said a company declares itself a market conditions” or both the In this issue, we are printing cut, the workers would have No means No. powerful global player that workers lose their houses and reference material to help you had their vacations reduced, We carried on working and can simply dictate whatever it U.S. Steel loses Stelco. It can’t put things in perspective. the indexing letter would have upheld the workers' interests wants and not follow a rule of have it both ways. The company been eliminated and they throughout a very difficult law if it doesn’t suit it. can’t say that it doesn’t have to Hiving Off New would have started paying for situation. Every day we were Companies cannot be per- keep to its agreements because their benefits (through co-pay told we would be responsible mitted to change the rules of market conditions but the Hires from the schemes) All of this happened for cratering Stelco, that our whenever it suits them and workers do, that U.S. Steel gets Pension Plan to salaried employees after the stand was not realistic, that have governments turn a blind to keep Hamilton Works but exit from the Companies’ Credi- the monopolies are too strong eye. On the issue of pensions, the workers lose their houses. Is Illegal, Says tors Arrangement Act (CCAA). and we can't stand up to them. the Ontario government is It is not just a matter that Supreme Court The Union was put under But we stood our ground and fully responsible. First it gave morally we are correct and tremendous pressure to give we prevailed. If we had opened Stelco the “too big to fail” 5.1 the company and its cham- of Canada concessions at that time. We the contract and given in to the election and then it gave U.S. pions are self-serving. This “A plan is also seen as being, if were told that it was not the demand for concessions dur- Steel a similar status. We said is true but there is more to not a permanent instrument, company's demand for higher ing CCAA, we would have lost we will hold you responsible to it. To enforce the moral high at least a longterm one. profits, which was behind the even more. Far from getting make the pension funds whole ground, workers have to fight However, the participation demand for a 20 per cent wage cold feet, the workers stood as and that the pension agree- for it. Even under CCAA, it was of any individual member cut, but greedy workers with one behind the union. Workers ment cannot be changed before unconscionable that judges, is ephemeral: members went to every court session. the end of 2015 at the earliest. lawyers and journalists who do come and go, while plans Cadillac pensions; wages and are expected to survive benefits were a threat to cra- They were more informed Now U.S. steel doesn’t like the not have our jobs, wages and the flow of employees and ter the company. We said No about the court proceedings agreement and unilaterally benefits should be making de- corporate reorganizations. means No and that we were than the lawyers and CEOs wants to opt out but wants us cisions that directly affect our In an ongoing plan, a single not to blame for the company’s of the myriad companies that to agree to it first so that it can lives. Those who made the deci- group of employees should problems. waltzed in to make a big score. say the workers have agreed sions shafted everyone except not be able to deprive future employees of the benefit of a After this, when the com- Workers re-elected the union to the changes. We want the themselves. Even the common pension plan. Thus, members pany applied for bankruptcy leadership with a solid major- Ontario government to hold shareholders lost everything often have only a passive and protection in January 2004, in ity despite all the attempts U.S. Steel to account for the and that included many Stelco limited right with regard to the most self-serving move, it to get them to replace it. The pension agreement just as we workers who had come for- employer decisions concerning hired valuation experts who strength of the union and its want the federal government ward to invest their savings in the future of their plan and winning strategy gave it a good to hold U.S. Steel to account Stelco when the company made trust fund. However, they declared that the company are not left without recourse was practically worthless if one four-year contract a year after for the takeover agreement a plea that they should help should the employer infringe factored in the company's debt Stelco exited CCAA. Of course, stipulating certain production save it. It was unconscionable the Pension Benefits Standards and pension obligations. The we said it was not over and the and employment levels that the but they still lost. Act or their plan. They can alert union was expected to open company would come back for company has broken. We were able to occupy the the Superintendent and trigger the contract under CCAA and concessions. Why in the world should moral high ground only be- action if and when required.” negotiate concessions. Again The union's opposition to the workers accept that U.S. Steel cause we fought against the Buschau v. Rogers Communica- the union said No means No. use of CCAA to defraud the can quote market conditions self-serving aims and corrupt tions Inc., [2006] 1 S.C.R. 973, 2006 SCC 28, p.30 It was not a legitimate request. workers also led the Ontario to renege on its responsibili- practices of the company under

THANK YOU • THANK YOU • THANK YOU • THANK YOU • THANK YOU • THANK YOU • THANK YOU • THANK YOU • THANK YOU FIRST ONTARIO CREDIT UNION • FIRST ONTARIO CREDIT UNION - QUEENSTON • FOOL & FLAGOON • FORTINOS • FRAN BORSELLINO • FRANK D'ANGELO/ GABE MACALUSO/JOSLIN KARATE G GALLEY PUMP • GARY KNOX • GENUINE BAKERY • GINOS PIZZA • GIORGIO'S NO FRILLS • GRAND DAD DONUTS • GRAN- DADS DONUTS JAMES ST • GREEN SHIELD • GT FRENCH PAPER H HAMILTON BUILDING TRADES • HAMILTON BULL DOGS • HAMILTON CONVENTION CENTER HAMILTON POLICE ASSOCIATION • HAMILTON THUNDERBIRDS • HAMILTON TIGER CATS • HAMILTON WENTWORTH ELEMENTARY TEACHERS • HARRY HYND • HELEN GEER • HFD PENSION ASSOCIATION • HIGHLAND PACKERS • HOLIDAY INN BURLINGTON • HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS‚ CENTENNIAL PARKWAY • HOME DEPOT • HOOTERS I IBEW LOCAL 105 • INCH HAMMOND • INT. BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRIC WORKERS LOCAL 353 • INT. MACHINST AEROSPACE • INTERNATIONAL ASSOC. OF MACHINISTS LOCAL 99 • INTERNATIONAL UNION OF OPERATING ENG. LOCAL 772 • IRONWORKERS LOCAL 736 J J.P. MARIN ASSOCIATES • JAKES COFFEE CLUB • JERRY MARTIN • JIM FYSHE, MCMAHON • JOAN THOMPSON • JOE BEATTIE • JOHN CUDRENGH • JOHN GALLANT • JOHN HOWARD SOCIETY • JOHN KUDRENSKI • JOHN MITTON • JOHN SHEELER • JON HINCHLEY • JUSTIN PAULSON K KAREN DELL • KAROLINAS RESTAURANT • KELSEYS • KELSEYS UPPER JAMES • KELSEYS, STONEY CREEK • KELSEY'S WESTDALE • KEVIN HARPER • KIRA SCATTOLON • KIRI STRATON • KLITE 820 CHAM • KONRAD SUELZLE L LALISE HALLIGAN • LEPPERTS • LISA NUSSEY • LITTLE CEASAR • LONDON LABOUR COUNCIL • LONES ASHLEY • LOWES, BRANTFORD M M & E SAUNDERS • M & M MEAT STORE SAULT STE MARIE-STEVE & LUCY FRONZI • M & M MEATS • M. HOUSTON & ASSOCIATES • MACHINE SHOP STAG DONATION • MAINWAY HUNTER CREIGHTON INSURANCE • MALCOM MCCREADIE • MANA EMPLOYEES • MARIO MARCHESON • MARK DANIELS • MARQUIS GARDENS • MARXIST LENINIST PARTY OF CANADA • MARY CAMPBELL • MARY LOU MATTEECI • MAUREEN MCCARTHY • McDONALDS - DUNDURN PLAZA • MEMORIAL BIBLES, SOUTH CAROLINA USA • MERCURY WHOLESALE FOODS • METALLURGISTS LOCAL 6951 • METALLURGISTS LOCAL 8060 • METRO - ROSE- DALE • METRO STORES • METRO/ FOOD BASICS UPPER OTTAWA • MICHAELANGELO'S BANQUET CENTRE • MIGRANT WORKERS FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER • MOLSONS • MONTANAS UPPER JAMES • MUSTANGS BIG OL'GRILL N NEW ORLEANS PIZZA • NIAGARA LABOUR COUNCIL • NOBLE TOTAL COMFORT SYSTEMS O OECTA • OECTA BURLINGTON • OECTA HALTON SECONDARY • OECTA HAMILTON SECONDARY • OECTA TORONTO • OECTA YORK UNIT • OFL • ONTARIO NURSES LOCAL 75 • OPSEU LOCAL 206 • OPSEU LOCAL 213 • OPSEU LOCAL 241 • OPSEU LOCAL 242 NIAGARA COLLEGE • OPSEU LOCAL 245 • OPSEU LOCAL 548 July 2011 / Information Update / 5 October 2007 U.S. Steel’s Phoney Lockout U.S. Steel CFO Gretchan Haggerty Excerpts from the EI Record of Decision (ROD) regarding letter to Hamilton Spectator: the U.S. Steel Labour Dispute, entitlement decision for “No Problem with U.S. November 2011, pages 4-5 Steel and Pension” Stelco’s Pension Safe with U.S. Steel Re: Stelco of the Stelco pension agreement be pension changed: The dividend restriction funding at and free cash sweep. risk over These provisions made sense for sale: Union Stelco as a stand-alone enterprise, - Sept 28/ 07 but do not make sense if Stelco is part of an integrated company We would with a large and diverse share- like to clear holder base. up any con- Moreover, given Stelco's limited fusion and relieve any concerns financial means as a stand-alone Stelco's employees and pension- company, it was clear neither ers may have about the security of these provisions would likely of their pensions on the closing result in any meaningful contribu- of our transaction to buy Stelco. tions to the Stelco pension plans. U.S. Steel has agreed to signifi- By agreeing to amend these two cantly improve the security of the provisions, the province of On- Stelco pension plans. We did so in tario was able to require significant two ways. First, we agreed to un- improvements to the security of conditionally guarantee pension the plans for Stelco's employees funding obligations at the cor- and pensioners. porate (as opposed to Canadian Of course, all laws that presently subsidiary) level. Thus, instead of apply to Stelco will continue to having to rely solely upon Stelco's apply, as will all other provisions ability as a stand-alone enterprise of the Stelco pension agreement, to generate the cash necessary to including those provisions re- meet pension funding obligations, quiring pension contributions to Stelco's employees and pensioners fully fund Stelco's pension plans can now look to the strength of our by 2015. entire company to do so. Second, We want Stelco's employees we agreed to make an extraordi- and retirees to know that we nary payment of $32.5 million understand the fundamental into the plans up front at closing. importance of sound pension This is in addition to the pension funding. We have had a large payment schedule agreed upon defined benefit pension plan for by the Ontario pension regulator decades. We take our obligations and Stelco. very seriously and are proud of In order to make our purchase the fact that today that plan is offer, we asked that two provisions fully funded. In fact, over the last four years, we have made over $700 million in voluntary con- tributions to that plan. We will honour our commitment to the Stelco pension plans. That is our history and track record. We look forward to closing the transaction, and to Stelco's employees becoming part of U.S. Steel. Gretchen R. Haggerty, Pittsburgh, Executive Vice- President and CFO U.S. Steel THANK YOU • THANK YOU • THANK YOU • THANK YOU • THANK YOU • THANK YOU • THANK YOU • THANK YOU • THANK YOU OPSEU LOCAL 555 • OPSEU LOCAL 562 • OPSEU SOUTHEAST AREA COUNCIL • OSSTF DISTRICT 12 • OSSTF DISTRICT 16 • OSSTF DISTRICT 20 • OSSTF DISTRICT 21 • OSSTF DISTRICT 22 P P& J WILSON • PAT & MANFRED LOWARTZ • PAT ARMSTRONG • PAUL MILLER • PEACHES THE CLOWN • PITTSBURGH ORGANIZING GROUP • PIZZA-PIZZA • PORT COUNCIL • PSAC HAMILTON REGIONAL WOMENS COMMITTEES • PSAC LOCAL 00042 • PSAC UNION OF TAXATION EMPLOY- EES • OCAL 00014 • PSAC UNION OF TAXATION EMPLOYEES, OTTAWA R RANKINS RESTAURANT • RAY SILENZI • RAYMOND & HEATHER BRAUN • REBECCA GALANISWAK • REBECCA THOMAS WALL • RED CROSS • RICH HOWARD • RICK HARRIS, PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER • ROGER AUGER • RONA, GRIMSBY • RONA, PARKDALE • ROY O'GRADY • RUTH CRIMMOND S SALVERIO ENTERPRISES INC. CALEDONIA • SAMKO MIKO TOYS • SARNIA & DISTRICT LABOUR COUNCIL • SCOOPS ICE CREAM • SEIU LOCAL 1 • SEIU LOCAL 1 CANADA • SHARON L WHITE • SHERATON • SHRINERS CIRCUS (HELEN MANNING) • SIR CORP RESTAURANTS • SKYWAY LAWN EQUIPMENT LTD. • SLANTE • SOAR CHAPTER 10 • SOCIETY OF ENERGY PROFESSIONALS • SPRINGER'S • SQUIRES • STARPOL- SKIES DELICATESSEN • STRATFORD LABOUR COUNCIL • SUPER 8, GRIMSBY • SUPER STORE GRIMSBY • SWISS CHALET • SYLVIA BOYCE T TEACHERS CREDIT UNION • TEAMSTERS LOCAL 879 • THE BRASSIE PUB • THE FOOL & FLAGON • THE GALLEY PUMP • THE HAMILTON LGBTQ COMMUNITY WELLNESS CENTRE • THE HONEST LAWYER • THE OLD POWERHOUSE, STONEY CREEK • THE SKY DRAGON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CO-OPERATIVE • THE WHISTLING WALRUS • TIM HORTONS - CALEDONIA • TIM HORTONS - KENILWORTH • TOM ATTERTON • TOM WOODS • TONY'S NO FRILLS • TORONTO CIVIC EMPLOYEES LU 416 • TORONTO YORK REGION • TOYOTA • TURTLE JACKS U UNDE LOCAL 619 • UNIFIED NETWORK • UNION OF VETERAN AFFAIRS LOCAL 43 • UNITE HERE LOCAL 75 • UNITED FOOD & COMMERCIAL WORKERS UNION • UNIVERSAL PROMOTIONS • USW • USW C/O MICKEY MERCANTI • USW LOCAL 1031 • USW LOCAL 13173 • USW LOCAL 1998 • USW LOCAL 2004 • USW LOCAL 2020 • USW LOCAL 2251 • USW LOCAL 2724 • USW LOCAL 5481 • USW LOCAL 6500 • USW LOCAL 6519-6 • USW LOCAL 6571 • USW LOCAL 7135 • USW LOCAL 8214 • USW LOCAL 8300 • USW LOCAL 8782 • USW REVOLVING FUND • USW TORONTO AREA COUNCIL V VAL PATRICK • VALENTINOS ‚ BARTON STREET • VALENTINOS ‚ MOHAWK RD • VELMA BRATINA • VOICE OF STEEL PRODUCTIONS, • VOORT- MAN'S COOKIES W WALLY PARR • WALTER SAWKA • WATERFRONT HOTEL, BURLINGTON • WAYNE BATTIAGLIO • WAYNE GALLANT • WAYNE MARSTON • WHISTLING WALRUS • WIATROWSKI, LES • WORKER UNITE ONTARIO • WORKER'S ART AND HERITAGE CENTRE • WORKERS HEALTH & SAFETY CENTER WORKERS UNITED ONTARIO COUNCIL Y YE OLDE SQUIRES RESTAURANT Z ZELLERS 6 / Information Update / July 2011 THE PEOPLE vs U.S. STEEL THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! On November 7, 2010 more than 600 steelworkers and their supporters rallied at the Wilcox Street Gates of Hamilton Works to protest the phoney lockout imposed by U.S. Steel in a blatant abuse of power.

NOVEMBER 2010

DECEMBER 2010

July 2011 / Information Update / 7 AN INJURY TO ONE IS AN INJURY TO ALL!

JANUARY 2011

FEBRUARY 2011 AN INJURY TO ONE IS AN INJURY TO ALL! MARCH 2011 MAY 2011

APRIL 2011 ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL!

JUNE & JULY 2011

10 / Information Update / July 2011 10 / Information Update / July 2011 Nortel Pensions Cut Despite U.S. Steel $8.6 Billion from Sale of Assets newer retirees this can mean a Wrecking of Stelco permanent cut of $600 monthly Brief chronology plus a continuing charge of $50 until the "overpayment" is ctober 2008 – More than 1,700 steelworkers are ac- returned to the fund. tively making steel at Stelco Hamilton Works and an- The destruction of Nortel O other 1,000 at Lake Erie Works, which are both now owned and the looting of its pension and controlled by U.S. Steel. Hamilton Works steelworkers plans are similar to what is hap- are producing slabs to be sent to Stelco Lake Erie Works to pening throughout Canada at be rolled into hot strip. Hamilton Works had a function- numerous icons of Canadian ing hot strip mill but it was shut down in 2007 by Rodney industry and nation-build- Mott, the CEO from North Carolina who was parachuted A bankruptcy court sanc- ently receive over one hundred ing. Such was the case with into Stelco to use his connections and celebrity status in tioned auction has put the final per cent of the value of their AbitibiBowater's anti-social certain financial circles in the U.S. to prepare Stelco for sale nail in the coffin of Canadian bonds plus interest. Nortel's and anti national bankruptcy to a foreign monopoly. manufacturing icon Nortel. In 20,000 unionised workers and restructuring and with the early July, the company auc- salaried employees, considered sell-out of Stelco the largest After the closure of the Hamilton Works' hot strip mill tioned its remaining 6,000 pat- "unsecured creditors" under Canadian-owned integrated in 2007, the steel slabs are sent to Lake Erie Works to be ents to a consortium of global bankruptcy law but who along steel complex, first through a milled into coils and then returned to Hamilton Works to monopolies led by Apple Inc, with construction workers fraudulent bankruptcy pro- be run through its cold mill, and then finished by running which includes EMC, Erics- and others created the Nortel cess and secondly with U.S. them through the Z-line and Hamilton's remaining galva- son, Microsoft, Sony and a sole assets in the first place, will Steel's seizure of the rump nizing line. The steel product is then ready enough for sale Canadian company Research suffer significant cuts to their company in 2007. U.S. Steel to a customer. Hamilton Works also has about 200 workers In Motion. pension benefits. In fact the almost immediately began to employed in the #3 bloom mill and bar mill. The auction proceeds of $4.5 administrator of Nortel's pen- reduce Stelco production and ovember 2008 – The major layoffs begin at this billion brings to around $8.6 sion plans, just days after the The Alleged Dream / The Reality for Some / Ten Years Later]] Cartoon from Information Update July 4 employment levels, service its Ntime when U.S. Steel shuts down the primary end of billion the total amount of Nor- patent auction, sent out notices Canadian customers from U.S. producing slabs at Hamilton Works. The only remaining tel's liquidated assets and cash to current retirees stating that mills and to wage a war of ex- work is finishing hot band sent to Hamilton from Lake on hand that will be divided beginning in August their tortion to destroy the existing Erie Works. up amongst secured creditors benefits would be cut between pension plans at both Lake Erie ecember 2008 – U.S. Steel continues its attack on in the U.S., UK and Canada 25 to 31 per cent retroactively Works and Hamilton Works. production by shutting Hamilton Works' bloom and with an undetermined amount to October 2010. This means USW Local 1005 at Hamilton D bar mills. At this point around 800 steelworkers, almost half going to the underfunded Nor- that in addition to significantly Works has courageously raised the workforce at Hamilton Works, are no longer working tel employees' pension funds. reduced benefits from now on, the banner of resistance, which and producing steel. Secured bondholders mainly retirees are also responsible to is inspiring many Canadians to from the U.S., who initiated pay back all "overpayments" face the necessity of a renewed arch 3, 2009 – U.S. Steel announces a shutdown of the bankruptcy, will appar- on their pensions. For average fight to defend the rights of all. Mthe entire Canadian operation. Shortly after, 700 steelworkers at Hamilton Works and 200 at Lake Erie Works And why would we give up indexed pensions? announce their retirement. ugust 3, 2009 – U.S. Steel changes the shutdown at ALake Erie Works into a lock-out in a brutal attempt to extract concessions from steelworkers of USW Local 8782. nd of August 2009 – U.S. Steel restarts the Hamilton EWorks' Blast Furnace and 850 steelworkers of Local 1005 begin producing steel slabs. Because of the closure of all finishing at Hamilton Works and the shutdown of Lake Erie Works, these slabs are sent to various plants in the U.S., including the Fairfield plant in Alabama and the Great Lakes plant in Detroit. Orders from Stelco's traditional steel customers are being filled from plants in the U.S. irst week of January 2010 – U.S. Steel moves workers Finternally within Hamilton Works to the Z-Line Depart- Consumer Prices Continue to Rise ment to restart production on the Z-line. Because of the Consumer prices rose 3.7% in recorded an increase in prices, On- 5.4%. Passenger vehicle insur- continuing closure of Lake Erie Works, U.S. Steel is bring- ance premiums and homeowner's the 12 months to May, Statistics tario recorded the largest increase ing in coils processed through cold mills in the U.S. to be in gasoline prices (+35.6%); food replacement cost also increased. Canada reports. This is the largest finished on the Z- line for sale as finished steel to customers increase since March 2003. This purchased from stores increased Prices for natural gas fell. follows a 3.3% increase posted in in Canada. However, this arrangement has resulted in only April. While most of this increase sporadic production. is attributed to rising energy costs, arly January 2010 – The head of production for U.S. excluding gasoline, the Consumer And the Rich Get Richer.... ESteel, John Goodish, arrives in Hamilton for an inspec- Price Index (CPI) rose 2.4% in tion and tells Stelco management that they still have too the 12 months to May, following a hile we've been locked out, "the annual world wealth report," many people employed in Hamilton. The talk among sala- 2.2% rise in April. a new report by Merrill W the wealth of HNWIs around the ried employees is that Goodish wants to sever an additional Prices for food purchased from Lynch and Capgemini shows the world reached $42.7 TRILLION in stores rose 4.2% in the 12 months world's wealthiest people are get- 2010, rising nearly 10% in a year 100 of them and then call selected ones back on contract to May, following a 3.7% gain in ting more prosperous – and more and surpassing the peak of $40.7 when needed. This of course is in complete violation of the April. Prices increased for many numerous – by the day, The Guard- trillion reached in 2007, "even Investment Canada Act contract but U.S. Steel executives staples, such as meat, bread and ian newspaper reported. as austerity budgets were imple- appear completely unconcerned with Canadian law. fresh milk. Prices for food pur- "The globe's richest have now mented by many governments in id-January 2010 – U.S. Steel informs Local 1005 that chased from restaurants increased recouped the losses they suffered the developed world." the company wants to start up the 4-stand cold roll- 3.2%, following a 2.8% rise in after the 2008 banking crisis. They It is not "even as austerity bud- M ing mill in early February 2010. With Lake Erie Works not April. Increases among food items are richer than ever, and there are gets were implemented," as if they were widespread. The cost of meat more of them – nearly 11 million got richer by accident. They got producing, this meant Hamilton steelworkers will produce rose 5.4%, as prices increased for – than before the recession struck," richer BECAUSE of the austerity slabs to be sent to the U.S., either Gary Works in Indiana, beef, pork and chicken. Consum- The Guardian says. budgets and anti-social measures Great Lakes in Detroit, Granite City in Illinois, Fairfield ers paid more for both bakery and "In the world of the well-heeled, such as the ones the Harper gov- in Alabama or Mon Valley in Pennsylvania, and hot strip dairy products, including bread the rich are referred to as ‘high ernment is legislating and U.S. coils will be returned back to Hamilton to be run through (+10.6%), fresh milk (+4.3%) and net worth individuals' (HNWIs) Steel is demanding. We are not the 4-stand and the Z-line. cheese (+3.2%). Prices for fresh and defined as people who have "collateral damage." We are the fruit and vegetables also rose. more than $1m of free cash," The targets. Continued on next page Of eight provinces which Guardian writes. According to July 2011 / Information Update / 11 From Previous Issues Brief chronology

Continued from page 11

At this point, the Hamilton Works' workforce is 850 workers, No Means No! 8.6 Million Reasons Why... which is just about enough to run the operation at the level The answer is provided by an- of making slabs with about 100 called-back workers training other article, this time in the Pittsburgh Business Times. It is a on jobs that are new to them. When U.S. Steel announces success story about how U.S. Steel that it wants to restart the Z-line and then the 4-stand, the has eliminated defined benefit monopoly raises the issue of bringing production contractors pensions. into the plant to train steelworkers who have never worked Guess what folks? We are not on those lines. With the layoffs and retirements, not enough collateral damage in this affair. WE steelworkers are available with the skills to run the 4-stand ARE THE TARGETS. and Z-line at more than a 5 turn operation (5 turns is 5 days Talk about the straw that breaks a week of 8 hour shifts). The most efficient operation is 21 the camel's back! Workers are ad- turns (21 turns is four shifts running 24 hours a day, 7 days vising the union to remove its offer a week, but not enough qualified workers are available to run of a stand pat agreement! Their conclusion? Workers are wonder- the mills that way.) ing what kind of raise Surma The layoffs and retirements also affect available Stelco will receive if he succeeds in trades-people. The shortage is filled with contractors, mostly shafting 1005. retired Stelco workers, with several hundred on site every day. We now have 8.6 millions The issue of contract workers in the plant becomes a serious reasons why... NO MEANS one that workers are discussing, insisting on the hiring of NO! young workers. anuary 12, 13 and 14th, 2010 – U.S. Steel continues its Mirror Mirror on stalling tactics in Federal Court to the government's lawsuit J Not surprisingly, locked-out 1005 creased "when conditions started that the company broke its commitments under the Invest- members and pensioners have not to improve," the article tells us. the Wall... ment Canada Act. U.S. Steel says the government is violating received kindly the news of U.S. Of course, in Surma's world, In related news, at a Hamilton its rights under the Charter of Rights and Freedom and the Steel CEO's "compensation" pack- what is good for the goose is not Area Steelworkers Annual Fun- Canadian Bill of Rights. The Court repeatedly rules against age. According to the Hamilton good for the gander. He deserves draiser for Foodshare (April 9) U.S. Steel but the company files appeal after appeal. Spectator (March 22) John Surma's his "compensation" because he USW National Director Ken Neu- total compensation package for does a very good job keeping the pril 28, 2010 – U.S. Steel announces the sale of Hamilton mann raised the issue of Surma's 2010 included a "$1.1 million sal- company profitable (so that he can $8.6 million and just who Surma Works No. 1 bar mill and No. 3 bloom and billet mill to A ary, $4.3 million worth of stock, have his compensation) and that is thinks he is. "What does Surma see Max Aicher Inc., a German company. $2.1 million in stock options, not self-serving, it is the mark of in the mirror each morning when uly 2010 – U.S. Steel refuses to bargain in good faith with $458,640 in non-stock income, a strong economy! But we lowly he gets up?" Neumann asked. JLocal 1005 even though the contract expires at the end of $3.9 million in pension changes workers who produce the wealth In the same vein Stephen Harper the month. The company holds no talks with Local 1005 after and $188,000 in ‘other income.'" he is robbing in broad daylight are came to town April 7 to tell Ham- This was a $8.6 million increase lesser mortals with lesser brains July 7. It insists that first the union and its membership must iltonians what a great economy from his 2009 "compensation" and lesser needs and lesser rights. they have thanks to all the jobs the agree to pension concessions before any discussions begin, package. There is a clear problem of Conservatives have created. which may include other demands for concessions. We are to believe Mr. Surma is perception here, the workers are Mirror mirror on the wall, who's ugust 1, 2010 – U.S. Steel cancels an increase in pen- a very caring soul because when telling us on the picket line. Surma the fairest of them all? Workers Asion benefits that should have been made as part of the times were tough he forsook his deserves "compensation" for doing can't believe these folks believe agreement on indexing. This signals that the company plans "compensation." It was only in- what exactly? their own fairy tales. to proceed unilaterally to break the pension contract but it requires the agreement of Local 1005 for those aspects that go against the contract with the Ontario government, which forms part of the legal arrangement for its takeover of Stelco. Federal Court Rules Against U.S. Steel's ctober 1, 2010 – U.S. Steel announces the idling or Latest Appeal Obanking of the Hamilton Works blast furnace and that no more steel will be produced until further notice because of what it describes as "bad economic conditions." The re- maining 850 steelworkers have little work to do but are not laid off for the time being. ctober 13, 2010 – Hamilton City Council passes a motion Ocalling on U.S. Steel to restart the blast furnace immedi- ately and stop its Corporate "intimidation tactics." The motion asks the company to negotiate with USW Local 1005 within the integrity of the Ontario labour laws, which are based on a presumption of good faith bargaining by both parties. ovember 2, 2010 – USW Local 1005 meets with U.S. NSteel, not face to face but through a provincial mediator. Local 1005 again appeals to U.S. Steel to negotiate in good faith. For U.S. Steel to bank a blast furnace in Canada and U.S. Steel has pulled out all the were that it would produce over right to a fair hearing, contrary to then start up two blast furnaces in the U.S. shows bad faith stops to challenge the federal law- 4.3 million tons of steel a year for subsection 11(d) of the Canadian bargaining, the union says. The union also repeats why the suit which charges it with breach- three years from the date of pur- Charter of Rights and Freedoms. company should agree to a stand pat collective agreement. ing the agreements it undertook chase and employ 3,105 workers In a judgment dated June 14, 2010 the Federal Court dismissed this ovember 7, 2010 – With the blast furnace banked for under the Investment Canada Act for three years. One year after it (ICA) when it bought Stelco. On made these commitments it began challenge in its entirety. at least the winter period and nothing to do for most N May 25, 2011 the Federal Court of violating them by shutting down U.S. Steel appealed this decision of the steelworkers, U.S. steel orchestrates a farcical lock-out Appeal released its decision from a the Hamilton blast furnace and to the Federal Court of Appeal, so as not to appear responsible for the inevitable layoffs. This hearing held on De cember 7, 2010 laying workers off. and this appeal has now also phoney lock-out does not fool Service Canada, which rules it into whether the lawsuit violates On October 8, 2009 U.S. Steel been dismissed with costs. U.S. a layoff and agrees that steelworkers should receive Employ- U.S. Steel's Charter rights. The filed a Notice of Motion chal- Steel has appealed every decision ment Insurance benefits. Court of Appeal dismissed U.S. lenging the constitutional valid- that has gone against it and the Steel's appeal with costs. ity of Sections 39 and 40 of the actual hearing itself based on the On July 17, 2009 the Minister ICA. U.S. Steel claimed that these merits of the case has yet to be of Industry filed an application sections violate its right to a fair heard almost two years after the under the ICA against U.S. Steel hearing in accordance with the proceedings were initiated. U.S. for failing to adhere to two of principles of fundamental justice Steel seems to have limitless funds the written undertakings U.S. contrary to subsection 2(e) of the to spend in opposing the lawsuit Steel made to the Government of Canadian Bill of Rights and that while the workers are made to Canada in October 2007. The two they violate the principle of pre- bear the brunt of its all-sided commitments that U.S. Steel made sumption of innocence and the social irresponsibility. 12 / Information Update / July 2011 Steelworkers Defend U.S. Steel’s Pyrrhic Victory Themselves and Their City t is already known that on Friday (June 10) the Superior Court approved two interim Iinjunctions against USW Local 1005. Steelworkers and citizens of Hamilton are once again amazed by the speed with which injunc- tions are passed against the work- ers whose only "crime" is to defend their rights while the companies can operate with impunity and this is not considered a problem at all. "For more than seven months the workers have been subjected to a phoney lock-out," Rolf Gersten- Steelworkers and their supporters were on the Lift Bridge as of 9 am on June 9 until 6 pm on June 10 when the injuction was issued to berger told Information Update. remove them "Prior to that it was shutdowns and lay offs, a workforce cut down In thirty minutes on the morn- in so-called economic damages workers have been saying from capacity, left the court bewildered through attrition, etc. The eco- ing of June 16, 2011, the On- for delaying the vessels coming the beginning, Rolf told Infor- as to what principle of justice had nomic interests of the workers and tario Superior Court approved in and out of the harbour — by mation Update. Steel, Not Steal! been upheld and why they were the city of Hamilton are harmed to an application for a permanent as much as 56 hours on one occa- Keep Stelco Producing! No to the being blamed for the economic the tune of millions of dollars in injunction submitted to the sion alone. Calculated at $2,500 an Phoney Lock Out! Local 1005 is harm, when U.S. Steel is clearly hour this came to some $140,000 determined to hold the federal and the real culprit. Following the lost wages, taxes, and services. The Superior Court by the Attorney per vessel. These calculations are provincial governments and now proceedings they joined with oth- lives of thousands upon thousands General of Canada (AG), re- of human beings are disrupted mostly fabrications made up for the courts to account for the eco- ers who waited outside the court straining United Steelworkers the occasion, Rolf says. Logically nomic damage U.S. Steel is causing room and held a rally to oppose — that is men, women, children Local 1005 "from impeding or and old folk who are forced into each vessel has enough lead time them and the Canadian economy. the injunction and demand that delaying the operation of the economic, mental and physical calculated into its contracts to Meanwhile, steelworkers and governments be held to account insecurity. Does the government Burlington Canal Lift Bridge; offset downtime for which it is other community members who for the economic damage caused threaten cease and desist orders and delaying any ship from not legally liable in any case. The had packed the courtroom to by U.S. Steel. against U.S. Steel? No! Does it re- entering or leaving Hamilton facts also show that at any time, sort to injunctions outlawing U.S. Harbour." Local 1005 was willing to let them Steel from its harmful activities? The AG was named as the ap- through the lift bridge so long No! But no sooner the actions plicant and Rolf Gerstenberger as the vessels carrying the coke of the steelworkers become ef- as an individual and as a repre- which U.S. Steel is removing from U.S. Steel Spokesperson fective, bam...what are called the sentative of the members of USW Hamilton had not been allowed to ‘economic players' together with Local 1005 and persons presently pass. Cooperating with local au- various government departments, unidentified, were named as the thorities, Local 1005 had already Needs a New GPS their representatives, lawyers and respondents. established that solutions which the courts go into action against The workers packed the court- do not criminalize the workers the workers." room and demonstrated outside for fighting for their rights are Rolf said that being in the court the hearing against the move possible. But negotiated solutions brought back memories of Stelco's to criminalize their attempts to were rejected by U.S. Steel and the CCAA fraud. hold U.S. Steel to account for the AG responded lickety-split. "At 1:20 pm on Friday after- economic damage it is causing Rolf repeated that for years Lo- noon the Executive of 1005 was the workers, their families and cal 1005 has been seeking a solu- informed that the hearing for Hamilton by using its dominant tion to the cratering of Hamilton an injunction would be heard position to extort concessions Works, to no avail. Since U.S. Steel in Superior Court at 2 pm. This from the workers. bought Stelco in 2007, it has de- despite the fact that during a con- The judge declared the injunc- creased production, laid off work- ference call the day before with tion settled and, ironically, con- ers and has now locked out the re- all interested parties, there was an cluded the proceedings with the maining work force. Throughout, understanding that a negotiated following statement: "Many of you workers have sought relief from settlement could be worked out. [USW Local 1005] are in atten- every level of government for the Finally, the case was heard one half dance today, so I would like to say harm U.S. Steel is causing. Their hour later at 2:30 pm as lawyers that one economic interest cannot proposals have fallen on deaf ears. and more lawyers scampered in hold ransom another economic The lesson for Canadians is clear; Surma's Getaway from as far away as Toronto to interest, no matter how just the the interests of workers and their argue their case. In the middle of cause of that one economic inter- communities are not to be served y June 11, the ship MV Federal plied that its president was lying all this, two more lawyers slunk est may be." by the laws or governments, but a BYukina was well past Montreal to serve "an ideological agenda." in to take advantage of the chance He also praised Local 1005 multinational monopoly can get with a cargo of metallurgical coke On June 9, 2011 both the Ham- offered by the Lower Lakes Towing for being very law abiding de- a federal department and a pro- loaded from the U.S. Steel plant in ilton Spectator and CHCH-TV motion on behalf of ships in the spite breaking the law. "You have vincial supreme court to respond Hamilton with scab labour. What carried stories that an ocean- harbour caught in the crossfire. throughout, conducted yourselves in its interest within days if not do we make of that? The first thing going vessel had entered Hamilton These two lawyers just appeared in a peaceful and cooperative hours. While this arrangement would be to acknowledge that go- Harbour to deliver industrial slag there, mid-way through the pro- manner, and you are to be com- may suit the owners of U.S. Steel, ing past Montreal and up the St. to the Arcelor Mittal plant in ceedings. They came from the mended for that. This is reflected it certainly does not suit Canadian Lawrence Seaway and out to sea is Hamilton and would be leaving same law firm, McCarthy Tetrault, in the no cost provision of the steelworkers, Rolf said. a really funny way to get to Lake with steel-making coke. The MV which represented Stelco in the injunction." Nonetheless, Local 1005 decid- Erie Works. Federal Yukina is a state of the art fraudulent bankruptcy proceed- "Normally" in such cases, the ed to make this a pyrrhic victory That's where U.S. Steel spokes- ship owned by Fednav Limited. ings which led to the sale of Stelco losing party is made to pay all the for U.S. Steel. It did not contest the man Trevor Harris told us the On the 11 pm news on CHCH-TV to U.S. Steel in the first place. This costs including those of the win- injunction of the AG which the coke was headed. Remember what the President and CEO stated that time they represent Great Lakes ning side. In this case, President judge declared it would lose, in he said? the steel-making coke was bound Stevedoring Ltd. They plonked Rolf Gerstenberger explained, exchange for which all the other It was after Local 1005 issued for Mobile, Alabama. down their own motion protest- Local 1005 had a plethora of in- injunctions and also the demands a press release on March 16 op- Having proposed one col- ing that its scabs loading the coke junctions being filed against it by for costs were dropped and no posing the removal of the coke lection at the Wilcox Gate to on U.S. Steel property are held up the owners of every vessel in the damages were sought. from the Hamilton plant for use recompense U.S. Steel CEO John too long when crossing the picket harbour which must have been in Rolf Gerstenberger says Local in the U.S. Harris issued a press Surma for having to suffer the lines. So, bam, another interim some way obligated to U.S. Steel. 1005 is quite satisfied with the release stating that the coke was delay of his bonus which brought injunction against workers." They all came forward on cue statement made by the judge: not going to the U.S., it was going his package up $8.6 million a Rolf pointed out that these in a show of class solidarity. The "But you simply can not justify the to Lake Erie Works to "serve Ca- year late, perhaps we should have injunctions are not going to get motions were accompanied by a damage caused by one economic nadian clients." The press release another collection to raise money either U.S. Steel or the federal threat to charge Local 1005 with interest holding others ransom." accused Local 1005 of waging "an to buy Trevor Harris a new GPS? Continued on next page hundreds and thousands of dollars This is precisely what the steel- ideological crusade" and even im- July 2011 / Information Update / 13 O ur Photographer Les Wiatrowski Whatever it Takes - You Can Count on Me to A Shared Struggle to Safeguard Pension Be in the Fight Let us not for- Funds get people make By Jean-Paul Lizotte, and earth. With the elections over, a union. People Representative, our dear elected officials become standing togeth- AbitibitBowater Retirees, ghosts and passing breezes who er is what makes Donnacona, May 14, 2011 quickly make friends with the the union strong. People in one On May 1, 2011 on Parliament Hill multinationals which dictate voice saying we want a better life many workers and retirees pledged policies that favour themselves for ourselves and in doing so we to fight together to give a new while the workers and retirees are will make the company stronger. direction to the economy. More forgotten. We live in a free country Can- than 2,000 workers and retirees Normally, society is based on its ada. In 1946 soldiers returning responded to the call of USW Local citizens and we have not finished from the war freed the people 1005 from Hamilton. having our voices heard. Today's overseas, but they found that they Why join with the workers of the retirees are and will continue to did not have that same freedom steelworkers union? These workers be the collective wealth of soci- back at home. and retirees are experiencing the ety. Elected officials must always Large companies can be very same problem as the AbitibiBowa- respect this, not just during an intimidating. Have you ever heard ter retirees. Regardless of one's election. this before: “What do you mean it’s not safe? If you don’t like it, you are province, the companies want to of 15 years or more when normally is a deferred salary which is owed To conclude, the Donnacona free to quit! Many people would be destroy the pensions of retirees. it must be done within 5 years. to the retiree. retirees were warmly received in happy to have your job. Retired workers from Fraser AbitibiBowater's retirees live May 1 was an opportunity to Ottawa on May 1. The fight waged In 1946 people saw a need to Papers in New Brunswick, Abitibi- daily with this stress. What should have our voices heard by our gov- by the retirees of Donnacona, stand up for themselves and a Bowater in Quebec and Stelco in be a peaceful retirement after long ernments. One day we will have Quebec, New Brunswick and UNION - LOCAL 1005 - was Ontario are all in the same fight to years of work is instead a fight to governments that understand that Ontario must not be for only one born. You would think the fight save their pension funds. receive their pensions in full. they are elected by citizens, not day but all year long. was over in 1946 but, no, it still It is immoral that our govern- A worker's pension is a contract companies. (Originally published in Le Soleil. continues to this very day. We are ments permit companies to stretch signed with the employer to en- Our elected officials are amongst Translated from original French in the fight for our lives in the year out debt repayment to the under- sure a full and vibrant life after 35 the people for 30 to 40 days during by TML Daily) 2011. No punches will be pulled or funded pension funds over a period to 40 years of work. The pension elections, promising them heaven any quarter given. Its time to stand together again and WIN this fight. Local 1005 has always been the Interviews - Local 1005 Executive leader in the fight and stood shoul- der to shoulder with any Union in its time of need. We must call on all the unions to band together to The Spirit of '46, the Start of Our Union keep Canada a place where you want to live - Whatever it takes. T ony McLaughlin, R on Wells Gary Howe Jake Lombardo YOU CAN COUNT ON ME Treasurer Financial Secretary Vice- President Grievance Chair, TO BE IN THE FIGHT ! We're fighting for the dignity This is a milestone! 65 years The impor- Chair, Political Action Committee of our pension- is a long time and shows that tance of this Sat- Sarah-Jane Shaw ers and that ev- we've been around for a while. urday is that it's After 65 years we are back Steelworker eryone should We're always fighting and the been 65 years of at it again, - the same battle The importance of this event is have a pension. fight continues for workers' our Union and we fought in '46. In '46 we that it is for the whole community. That's the main rights. It's been an evolving we're now going had the same type of company There’s a lot of pensioners and pen- reason for this fight. We get certain gains through the sim- sioners’ widows out who didn't want there that are here lockout. We've and the company wants to ilar issues which were fought take them back. to recognise the to celebrate their had a 50th, a 60th and now it's for back then, all over again. Things that we union. Today we hard-fought gains our 65th anniversary. [...] Even got years ago the With U.S. Steel, we're in the have a compa- -- the strikes and if we were back at work, we'd company wants same fight for basic rights, ny that doesn't lockouts they went still throw this party because to recoup, cut like pensions and production want to recog- through to make it's a historic date in 1005's his- their "costs" and rights. We did everything in nize the union sure we had decent tory as this is when our Union increase their our power to not get locked wages and benefits, and is using the same type of working conditions, a Union, and a was formed. profits. There are out, and U.S. Steel just locked arguments to try to take away better way of working and earning a things that we fought for which [U.S Steel] wants to take away us out anyway. They went our hard fought gains. For living than what they went through. were necessities for which we things that took 65 years to against all of the commitments me it is symbolic because we I’m a third-generation steelworker gave up other things, so we're fight and win. That's the really they made when they bought and we’re very proud of the fact bent on keeping them. U.S. are fighting this with all the scarey part, to be losing the Stelco three years ago and it's community standing behind that we work in steel. This fight is Steel can't say we're greedy or very difficult and to have to give up things we fought for. 1990 was asking for more because we been nothing but chaos since. us; they supported us in 1946 when we got our indexing and This is the second time they've things that the [workers before us] are just asking for what we've and they are supporting us fought for and went out for is just we were on the street for four already earned and gained shut us down in two years and now. Its a shame that the gov- wrong in my eyes. months to win that. through 65 years of collective they've caused huge devasta- ernments that allowed U.S. Days I’ve been out on the line My father worked at Stelco bargaining. tion to the community. Steel to purchase us are sitting we’ve had little old ladies throw us for 36 years. I've been there This celebration is a great way The community has been back and doing nothing. I am $20, from people who bake or cook 34 years and my son has been to get more of the community solidly behind us and it's not proud to stand up and fight for or drop off Tim Hortons cards just there for 4 years. Generation involved and also it thanks the right that people are suffering to show community support. I think the brothers and sisters who that Saturday is very important after generation will take care as a result of U.S. Steel buying community because they've fought in 1946, and today I am because it’ll get everybody together of everyone. Someone has to helped us so much over the Stelco. So basically we're in the fighting for the same rights, and show U.S. Steel that the com- speak for the pensioners. They past 8 months. So it works both same struggle that we were in to protect our hard fought munity as a whole is behind us. don't have a voice. ways. We're saying thank you 65 years ago. gains and defend the dignity And we’re celebrating the fact that The community has been by inviting them and asking City Council has supported of labour. the Union has been there since great to us. That's why we in- them to join us to celebrate our us with motions saying US ‘46 and it’s not right for the U.S. vited the community [to the milestone. Steel should open again. We're Steelworkers Defend corporate bullies to come in and anniversary picnic] and every- Continued from page 13 degrade everything we’ve worked My father was there in '46 seeing huge support from busi- for throughout the years. one is welcome. We have a lot and so were my uncles. The nesses all across Hamilton and and Ontario governments off The Spirit of ‘46 is seen mostly at of support. There's many busi- significance of this is just prior a lot of them have donated the hook for committing and/or the Thursday meetings when you nesses that have given us food to that the union was formed to the picnic on the 65th an- presiding over the commission of have the retirees speak and fight. for free, refrigerated trucks for and they had the biggest fight niversary. It's very important the economic damage U.S. Steel is They get through to all of us how doing to Hamilton. the day, trucks, tents, hours of to date. This gave us the ability that the City is there for us. We important it is -- what they gave "The problem is not caused by us volunteer labour. Everyone is to fight not only for our work- appreciate it very much. up and their war stories of their so criminalizing us for defending careers at Stelco. They’ve fought for coming on board and donating. ers but for all workers across our rights and interests and those everything we’ve got and I would The community has been well Canada. We owe the pension- of the community is not going to hate to see us give that up. I would behind us. What's the spirit of ers a debt because they fought fly. They will still have to answer hate to see us give up things for the '46? The start of our Union! so hard for us. for what they are doing," Rolf said. future workers. 14 / Information Update / July 2011 Poems by Bill Mahoney Join Us May First on Parliament Hill City of Waterfalls Johnny Wants a Job

Join us in Ottawa on May Day There is a class war going on, There's hardly any jobs at all, but come Johnny's smart and kind of cool, Remember, it is not a Play Day; We're under attack. and see our waterfall; He's doing very well in school. Too many go without a pay day. All the gains we have made, I'm not quite sure just where it went, it's You won't catch Johnny smoking grass, The rich, they want them back. somewhere under the cement. He studies hard, he's going to pass. People hurting, people broke Harper thinks it's all a joke We can't sit back like a bunch of fools, Ignore our closed down factories and Tell me next what will he do, I wish upon his lies he'd choke. While the rich write their own rules. growing welfare lines; Sell you coffee, shine your shoes? Locking up the factories, Just look at our waterfalls, everything is Our kids play by the rules, It makes my blood run cold and closing down the schools. fine. Then they're made to look like fools. To hear the lies we're being told. Some are so poor they have to borrow, Who will calm the widow's fears, There's money for bankers, CEO's and If the hungry children cry, our mayor Just to make it through tomorrow. who will wipe away her tears. war, says diversify; Nothing for workers, the elderly, the poor. We don't make things here anymore, all While the banker walks a crooked line, What will you say when seniors ask All our years of struggle, all our years of our plants have moved offshore. You know he should be serving time. Is their pension going to last? hope It is said he's doing fine, Will these bad times ever pass? Now our future is walking a tight rope. We'll just become a tourist trap, and sell Without a worry on his mind. each other foreign crap. Workers are being thrown out the door Labour will not stumble, our union will He's living in paradise, Justice treated like a whore; not fall, You can work in a coffee shop, or sell Never wears the same clothes twice. The rich keep demanding more An injury to one is an injury to all. tourists hot dogs and pop; He's driving a new Cadillac They don't care about the poor. Come all you workers and And maybe be a tour guide, and take the While Johnny's living in a shack. heed the battle call! tourist for a ride. With just the clothes upon his back, Our companies are in foreign hands, And you wonder why some deal crack? They call the shots from foreign lands. If you want to stop Harper, But don't show them where the homeless They try to rule with an iron fist, while it's possible still, lie. They need good jobs and better schools, It is our duty to resist. Join Us May First on Parliament Hill! we can't just treat our youth like fools, I question the wisdom of these calls, that So my warning you'd best heed, March, 2011 base our future on waterfalls. Some may beg and some may plead The mayor should give his head a shake, But some will make the rich man bleed, this line of thinking he must break. If they don't get the jobs they need. September, 2009 Jobs with dignity for all, that should be our battle call. October, 2009

Workers’ Arts and Heritage Centre: Joins Us to Celebrate COMING SOON 65th Anniversary of Local 1005! The ... fundraiser for 1005 Look for the Workers' raising the standard Arts and Heritage of living for all Ca- Centre exhibit at nadians. Stelco Gage Park on July The Centre was 23! The WAHC has Renewing the conceived in the enthusiastically late 1980s by a dy- agreed to join the namic group of work to celebrate the labour historians, Book Spirit of ‘46 65th Anniversary artists, union and of the founding of community activ- USW Local 1005 and ists who came to- has put together a gether to discuss “u.s. Steel’s refusal to display. the need for a place bargain in good faith The WAHC has where workers' his- extensive archives on tory could be cel- with Local 1005 and the history of Local ebrated. In 1996, instead unilaterally close 1005 and the labour after intense work movement in Hamilton. Its exhibition is on by a volunteer board of directors, the down Hamilton Works the theme "The Spirit of '46." The display is Centre opened the doors of its perma- and dictate changes part of an exciting collaboration between nent home, the historic Custom House in the Centre and Local 1005, which will Hamilton's north end. The Custom House even to the pension include producing an educational historical stood deserted until 1995 when the Centre plans are a wake-up exhibit that will tour Steeltown in the fall. was able to purchase it. Over a million and The WAHC envisions a Canadian society a half dollars went into the restoration of call to all Canadian Publisher that recognizes, remembers and values the this historic building which provides the workers that renewed experiences and continued contribution backdrop for the pursuit of the Centre's ide- Voice of Steel Productions Hamilton, Ontario of all workers, their unions, organizations, als in a number of ways: through research trade union collectives and communities to the quality of life we and development; educational programs; and new economic and Cover Illustration: enjoy. The Centre is mandated to preserve, by helping union locals and community Leif Peng honour, and promote the culture and histo- groups document their histories and by political arrangements Layout & Design ry of all working people. The contributions staging cultural events. All activities are are necessary to defend Voice of Steel Media of working people – not only to Canada's collaborative and community-based. Collective history but worldwide – are showcased in We call on our pensioners to take a seat their rights and the Volume One: art and other exhibits and performances. near the exhibit to speak with the families Canadian economy and The CCAA Fraud Canada exists thanks to the labour of our and younger generation about their contri- 450 pages working people. It is impossible to conceive bution and that of Local 1005 to Hamilton. sovereignty.” Softcover isbn: 978-0-9877454-0-8 of this history without taking into account Labour historians also welcome! Teachers – from the Preface Printed in Canada the contribution made by the strikes and are encouraged to meet the folks from the other struggles of the labour movement to Arts and Heritage Centre to book a tour of raise the quality of life for everyone. These the exhibit and speakers for the fall. struggles have played an important role in See you there! CongratulationsCongratulations 1005!1005!

Ken Neumann United Steel Workers National Director for Canada In recognition of 65 years of dedication, inspiration and fighting spirit, we salute all the men and women of USW Local

1005. The spirit of '46 is alive and well, because it has been As the Mayor of the City of Hamilton, and grandson of one of the alumni of forged, nurtured and renewed 1946, I want to express my support and admiration for the men and women of continually by the workers, fami- Local 1005 and their families for keeping the faith of the founding members. lies and comunity of this fine My late grandfather, then known as Bob Bratton, told me many stories of Local. The determination and working conditions and wages prior to 1946. He originally worked as an courage of Local 1005 members immigrant teenager at the infamous Edgar Thomson works in Braddock Pennsylvania, whose story was chronicled in the Thomas Bell novel, “Out of and pensioners continue to be This Furnace”. Arriving at Stelco in the 1930’s as a Coke Oven millwright, he an inspiration to all of us, both found many of the same inequities, many of which were finally resolved through the creation of Local 1005, USW. inside and beyond the labour movement. Steel-making is a fundamental building block of sovereign nations. I support Local 1005’s continuing efforts to ensure that Canada can stand on its own Congratulations on this 65th providing the steel we need to continue to build the nation. anniversary of service and My sincere best wishes for this historic occasion, and better days ahead. activism. We look forward to 65 more wonderful years. v Respectfully,

Wayne Fraser District 6 Director Robert Bratina Congratulations to USW Local Mayor, City of Hamilton 1005 on 65 years of service and activism. Our union’s strength comes from

our rich history of struggle and On July 23, we celebrate a huge however that some 65 years later Union and those of Local ing other unions and non-union victory. milestone with USW Local 1005 you are having to fight the same 1005 today we see Local 1005 workers in their struggles for fair and the people of Hamilton: 65 fight as you did in the infamous members standing tall as they treatment by employers. The workers of USW Local years of solidarity with the union 1946 strike. fight to protect their Collective 1005 have experienced first- This membership past and pres- and the community. Here at Local 5328 we have Agreement, their futures and ent continues to show determi- hand many of the toughest v the future of their Retirees. I am struggles of any union. always looked upon Local 1005 nation, an independent fighting as our big brother in the Stelco proud as a member of the NDP spirit, and the ability to rally the In 1946, the year of its founding, Tony DePaulo, Area Coordi- standing in Solidarity with the nator, Hamilton & Niagara chain. Since being commissioned community behind their strug- Steelworkers fought the compa- in 1956 as Parkdale Works, we United Steel Workers Local gles. These proud steelworkers ny and hostile governments for Region, United Steelworkers 1005. have had many shared experi- v deserve fair treatment by their the very right to have a union at I would like to congratulate you ences, been at the same negotiat- employer and dignity for their what was then the Steel Com- on your 65th Anniversary of your ing table and fought the same retirees. pany of Canada. Local. David Christopherson or similar fights. History shows MP Hamilton Centre I am proud to be a retired 1005 The Whisper, a motor launch Local 1005 has always been a that we have benefited from our As the Member of Parliament member, and will continue used by the union, stopped the leader in our community and relationship with your local. to stand shoulder to shoulder flow of supplies from Hamilton in the forefront of protecting for Hamilton Centre, it is an Today our members stand with honour to congratulate you on with my brothers and sisters. Bay on Lake Ontario into the the rights of working men and you in solidarity as your mem- Congratulations on your 65th plant. A light plane dropped women not only in our own the 65th Anniversary of the bers approach nine months of a founding of Local 1005. anniversary. leaflets to keep the members community but in communities lockout not of their making. Our informed and on side. across Canada. retirees stand beside your retirees For more than six decades Local Anna Di Carlo, Marxist- Eventually Stelco was forced Today is a time to celebrate all of in the fight for dignity of a just 1005 has been an integral part Leninist Party of Canada to bargain with the union, and your victories and accomplish- and fair livelihood. of our community and a tire- less advocate for the fair treat- "Congratulations 1005! .... USW Local 1005 was founded. ments throughout your 65 years We look forward to joining you Sixty-five years is many lessons and I am proud to stand with ment and rights of workers in Steelworkers across this country on the 23rd along with the rest the Hamilton area. Regardless learned, especially that for the know what it means to stick you and join you in this day of of the Hamilton community as individual needs of a worker to celebration. of the challenges it has faced, with the union thanks to the you recognize this significant and continues to face, 1005 has be met, they must unite with dedication and commitment of I look forward to working with milestone. other workers and as a collec- v remained strong, supported its members of Local 1005. you now and in the future. members and persevered. tive fight for the security of all. v Individual security is bound up Today, the struggle continues. Councillor Scott Duvall Once again, congratulations on in the security of all. Individual Our pensions, wages and collec- Darren Green Congratulations on your 65th An- this historic anniversary and I wellbeing for workers is bound tive agreements are under attack wish you the greatest success in up in the wellbeing of all not on by huge multinational corpora- President, USW Local 5328 niversary of Unionized Steel Pro- duction in the City of Hamilton. the future. an egalitarian basis, but because tions like U.S. Steel. Local 1005 On behalf of the Executive and v of the reality of the state power has drawn a line in the sand and membership of Local 5328 I am May the next 65 years bring back the prosperity that the Whisper held by the monopolies versus is standing up for the people sending greetings and congratu- Paul Miller, MPP the class position of the workers who fought for previous collec- lations to you, your members, began. v Hamilton East – Stoney Creek and the relative powerlessness of tive agreements: our pensioners. and retirees as you mark the 65th individual workers. All For One anniversary of Local 1005. It has been 65 years since the The determination and cour- Wayne Marston, creation of Local 1005. During and One for All!" age of Local 1005 members Yours is a long and proud his- MP, Hamilton East-Stoney this time this local has led the and pensioners continues to be tory in the City of Hamilton, Creek change for workers rights not an inspiration to all of us, both the Steelworkers and the labour In keeping with the long only in Hamilton but in other inside and beyond the labour movement as a whole. It is sad communities as well; support- movement. traditions of the Steelworkers