Back-to-back strike mandates secured at Edmonton AltaSteel plant
by Canadian Manufacturing Daily Staff
Latest strike mandate approved by 97 per cent of workers following similar vote in October 2013
EDMONTON—Workers at an AltaSteel Ltd. facility in Edmonton have voted in favour of renewing a strike mandate in an ongoing dispute with management.
According to United Steelworkers (USW) union Local 5220, members voted 97 per cent in favour of renewing the mandate against Arrium Ltd.-owned AltaSteel.
The original 120-day strike mandate was approved in October 2013.
Local 5220 said it has the backing of the entire USW in the labour strife.
Negotiations between the union and management began in April before breaking down in August of last year.
The union said the company has made extreme demands regarding scheduling and seniority for long-time employees, including undercutting union representation.
Another impasse was reached in December after AltaSteel’s offer was “simply not good enough,” according to Local president Paul Perreault.
“The voice of the USW 5220 membership remains steadfast and needs to be respected by the employer,” Perreault said in a statement.
