Steelworkers back to work after reaching agreement with Amcan Castings

HAMILTON, ON, Oct. 14
CNW

A nearly five-day sit-in by members of the United Steelworkers (USW) has ended with an agreement over severance with Amcan Castings at both its Hamilton and Burlington locations.

"Our members stood their ground and were willing to take action for fairness and justice," said USW Ontario/Atlantic Director Wayne Fraser. "The irony is that workers have to take these kinds of measures instead of companies doing the right thing in the first place. I am proud of our members at Amcan and of all our members who stood behind them in this struggle."

The settlement provides a total of $2.5-million held in an escrow account to ensure severance payments when the plant closes. The occupation began after the company said it would not undergo restructuring under the Companies Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) and would instead liquidate the plant. While Amcan has been operating under CCAA protection for a month, it has not said exactly when it plans to proceed with liquidation.

"We have been through this scenario too many times over the last several months," said Fraser. "Plant closures and runaway companies are forcing workers into economic and emotional hardship. The McGuinty government, with its renewed mandate, must step up to the plate and take this issue seriously
to help rebuild manufacturing in this province."

There are about 170 Steelworkers at the 10 Hillyard Street plant and 100 more are currently laid off.

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Workers end sit-in of Amcan Castings plants in Hamilton and Burlington

HAMILTON - A nearly five-day sit-in by members of the United Steelworkers union at Amcan Castings in Hamilton and Burlington, Ont., has ended.

Workers were told Wednesday that their plant will be liquidated and they were demanding proper severance pay when the doors close.

The agreed settlement provides $2.5 million held in an escrow account to ensure severance will be paid.

About 170 people are employed at the plant and about 100 more are currently laid off.

The union's Ontario and Atlantic director Wayne Fraser says workers have been through similar scenarios too many times in the last several months.

He says plant closures and runaway companies are forcing workers into economic and emotional hardship.