National Steel Car workers in Hamilton mark 12 weeks on strike over wages, safety

HAMILTON · About 1,200 workers at National Steel Car in Hamilton have been on strike for nearly 12 weeks, fighting for what they call fair wages and safer working conditions. The workers, members of United Steelworkers Local 7135, walked off the job on Aug. 12 after rejecting a contract offer. A key issue is an incentive pay program that the union says has become unattainable and has effectively clawed back a previous wage increase. "Everybody's just here to do what they have to do," said Bruce Prevost, a member of the union's negotiating committee. "That means surviving in the plant and providing for our families."

The incentive program allows workers to earn extra money if they reach production quotas set by the company. Prevost said the targets have become increasingly "unobtainable" over the last 15 years. He said some workers received no incentive pay for four to six months, resulting in a significant drop in their earnings. The union wants the program, currently described in a letter of understanding, to become part of the collective agreement so members can negotiate the quotas. Local union president Frank Crowder previously said the company's wage offers were "not even reaching inflation rates."

There are also safety concerns linked to the incentive program, as it can encourage workers to rush or take shortcuts, Prevost said. In June 2022, a worker died at the Hamilton plant days after another employee was seriously injured. The Ministry of Labour later fined the company over $360,000 for those incidents. Michael Thompson, who works in quality assurance, said he was surprised by lacking safety practices when he started at National Steel Car in 2012. He said he was told to "keep your head on a swivel."

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Prevost said the union is ready to bargain, but no sessions have been scheduled since Aug. 6. He said 79 per cent of members voted down the employer's last contract offer, with 91 per cent of members casting votes, the highest turnout he has ever seen. "We gotta stick together and fight this," said Thompson, who added that because of the strike, he will likely have to work past his planned retirement age. CBC Hamilton reached out to the company on Friday but did not receive a response before publication. The company has not issued any public statements about the strike on its website or social media.

This is Prevost's fourth strike as a National Steel Car worker. He said there is "a lot more solidarity here now" compared to past disputes, noting that most striking members were also part of a 41-day strike in 2023. "Our membership has only strengthened," he said. Still, he acknowledged it has been tough for workers on the picket line who receive limited strike pay and emergency benefits from the union. Many members have had to find other jobs to support themselves when they are not on shift at the picket line.

Workers have experienced "overwhelming support" from the public, Prevost said, noting donations of money, water, food and coffee from passersby. During Hamilton's mayoral campaign, candidates visited the picket line. Mayor-elect Keanin Loomis mentioned the strike in his election-night speech, saying supporting steel workers is a priority for him. On Friday, NDP Leader Avi Lewis visited the line in a show of solidarity. Prevost said he does not expect politicians can do a lot, but "if they can get our message out there, we accept any support or help we can get." The labour action in Hamilton follows other recent tensions in the steel sector. Yadude Books reported in September that Stelco plans to idle part of its Hamilton plant and lay off hundreds of employees.

With files from CBC News