The Stel Salaried Pensioners Organization wishes to thank The Hamilton Spectator for permission to post the following article published in the November 6, 2004 edition

Nov. 6, 2004. 12:52 AM

Key Dates in Stelco Saga

JAN. 29: Stelco enters bankruptcy protection.

FEB 18: Steelworkers who meet with Premier Dalton McGuinty are frustrated that he offers no direct action.

FEB 25: Thousands of steelworkers noisily protested in downtown Hamilton.

MARCH 22: Justice James Farley rejects the steelworkers' bid to force Stelco out of bankruptcy protection.

APRIL 27: Stelco announces it had a net loss of $563 million in 2003.

APRIL 29: Stelco issues a study that its failure would eliminate up to 24,500 jobs and $1.9 billion in wages. And it warned that the government would lose more than $1 billion in taxes.

MAY 6: The Ontario Court of Appeal refuses to hear the United Steelworkers of America's attempt to force the company out of bankruptcy protection.

JUNE 15: Farley orders Stelco's union to give 90 days' notice before any possible strike and appoints a mediator in the negotiations.

JUNE 26: The USWA takes its challenge of Stelco's insolvency to the Supreme Court. There has been no word whether the court will hear the case.

JULY 29: Stelco reveals its revitalization plan which included selling off subsidiaries, employing about 1,200 fewer workers.

AUG. 3: Stelco announces record Q2 profits of $42 million, bolstering union's claim company not insolvent.

OCT 1: Lake Erie workers issue a 90-day strike warning, drumming up fears among customers. A week later, GM threatens to pull its contract

OCT 12: Court documents reveal a bondholders' plan to offer rights to creditors while speculation swirls about potential buyers for the company.

OCT. 15: GM announces it will ask a bankruptcy court to allow the carmaker to break its deal with Stelco and seek steel elsewhere.

OCT. 19: A last minute deal is brokered that could save three quarters of the GM contract. Justice Farley also approves Stelco's plan to sell subsidiaries and seek buyers.

NOV. 5: Stelco announces record third quarter earnings of $58 million.

NOV. 8: Deadline for a bondholders creditors' rights offering.

NOV. 25: Stelco to ask for another extension of court protection.