Message from your President October 27, 2020
Good day Brothers, Sisters and Friends of Steel.
It is with great sorrow and regret that today we are losing 75 of our Brothers and Sisters as the company is laying off our members.
It is very disrespectful for this to be done over the phone. We have been coming in to work through the whole Covid crisis, this could have easily been done safely in person. Our members deserve better for all they have given to this company in the past years.
The lay offs are in no way a reflection of what workers have done for the company. The company simply struggled to be cash positive since the whole-sale changes in our last transition. We are losing the future workers of the company who were just coming into their full potential. We all know someone who has been affected by the work force reduction. It is with a deep sense of grief to know we will not see these familiar faces at work again.
We are meeting with the company tomorrow to review the bumping process. There are many questions for those of you who are going to be moved to a new location or job. It will take some time to understand exactly what the company is doing with their new structure. We have been told they will do this in a manageable timeline.
We will be filing the appropriate contracting out grievances. The company has yet to explain to us how they will reduce the contractors.
Everyone at work will be affected with the changes by the company and know it can affect you. Now, more than ever, we need to take care of each other. Please know that there is no right way to feel about this. What ever experience you are having is right for you.
These are difficult and frustrating times. Please reach out to the Hall if you have any questions at 677-1700.
Thanks for your continued patience and more will follow later. Please remember that self care is important. Look out for yourselves and each other during this difficult time.
In Solidarity
Warren Luky
