MultiServ lockout drags on
As the city’s steelmakers ramp up production, MultiServ workers who handle slag at the plants remain locked out by their employer.
The lockout at MultiServ, a company that recycles the slag byproduct, is now entering its third month.
Though the company and the union have been in negotiations, those talks broke off last Friday, said Steve Duvall, president of United Steelworkers Local 7577.
The union expects to hear back in a few weeks from Harsco Corp., the Pennsylvania company that owns MultiServ.
Meanwhile, union leaders say the company — which operates units at Dofasco and at both former Stelco plants — has been staffing its operations with salaried staff.
The union is planning a rally for next week.
After a nine-month shutdown, U.S. Steel restarted its Hamilton blast furnace last weekend.
ArcelorMittal Dofasco has also been boosting production in response to improved demand in the steel market.
U.S. Steel’s Nanticoke operation has yet to restart. More than 1,000 workers there have been locked out after talks to renew a labour deal failed.
