The Stel Salaried
Pensioners Organization wishes to thank The Hamilton Spectator for permission
to post the following article
published in the January
23, 2006 edition
The Hamilton Spectator
Nanticoke (Jan 23, 2006)
The United Steelworkers' local representing Lake Erie
workers has ratified a new labour contract. The union held a secret vote on the
contract on Wednesday, but sealed the ballots pending the approval of Stelco's
restructuring deal by the court.
An early count showed workers voted 78 per cent in favour of
the contract.
The Lake Erie local signed a tentative agreement with Stelco
in September, but held off on ratifying it until the restructuring plan was
approved. This allowed the union to hold onto its right to strike, a powerful
bargaining chip throughout the negotiations.
Stelco's restructuring plan calls for no concessions or jobs
cuts from workers. It calls for a $400 million upfront contribution to Stelco's
$1.3 billion pension shortfall.