Evraz workers vote to go on strike

Pension cuts for retirees among issues in dispute

Hundreds of unionized workers at Evraz North America’s steel plant in Regina voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action to back their contract demands.

The vote by members of United Steelworkers Local 5890 took place Thursday at a special meeting to discuss the company’s contract proposals.

The union’s website says more than 99.3 per cent of the workers cast ballots in favour of job action.

Contract negotiations began last May and the collective agreement expired in July. Keith Turcotte, lead negotiator for the Steelworkers, said the two sides had worked through non-monetary issues, but reached an impasse once discussions regarding money began.

Earlier this month, the local said Evraz was proposing a five-year contract with no wage increases during the first three years, and a 0.5-per-cent hike in the fourth and fifth years.

As well, Turcotte said, Evraz is trying to take away pension benefits for retired workers.

Under the old agreement pensioners and spouses of deceased pensioners were provided with a yearly $1,000 top up.

“The pensioners typically put anywhere from 25 to 30 years into working at Evraz, the former IPSCO. And now this the new company, that’s Russian owned, it’s managed by Americans from Chicago, they’re coming after hometown people and they’re coming after the retired folks, which is just wrong,” Turcotte said.

Replying by email to the LeaderPost, a spokesperson with Evraz said, “(It’s the company’s) policy not to comment on ongoing collective bargaining negotiations.”

Turcotte said the two sides were meeting later Friday to discuss dates to continue the negotiation process. He said the union is hoping Evraz will reconsider, however if not, workers are prepared to strike.

Earlier this month, it was announced the Trans Mountain Expansion Project had signed an agreement with Evraz to supply approximately 800 kilometres of pipe for the project from Evraz’s Regina facility.