NDP takes Trudeau to task over Stelco questions

A United Steelworkers union leader says he walked away from Parliament Hill Tuesday with no sense the federal Liberals will protect Stelco pensions and benefits.

“We heard assurances, but no action. Nothing,” Bill Ferguson, who represents workers at Stelco’s Lake Erie plant, said from Ottawa.

Ferguson and other local union representatives watched as NDP Leader Tom Mulcair accused Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of being “missing in action” as a deal to purchase the ailing U.S. Steel Canada (Stelco) is hashed out.

Bedrock Industries’ proposal to take over U.S. Steel Canada is expected to be presented in a Toronto courtroom Thursday as part of the steelmaker’s drawn-out Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) proceedings.

But members of locals 1005, 8782 and 8782 (B) in Hamilton and Lake Erie are concerned about the future of underfunded pension plans under the arrangement.

Hamilton’s Local 1005 alone is saddled with a solvency deficiency of more than $800 million.

“What does the prime minister intend to do for a retired Stelco worker who spent 40 years at a blast furnace and stands to lose his health benefits?” Mulcair asked Trudeau during Question Period Tuesday.

Trudeau replied that his government is aware of the difficult situation Stelco workers and others in Canada are facing.

“We are engaged. We are aware of this challenge and it’s one that we are working with them on.”

Mountain MP Scott Duvall said the sale of U.S. Steel Canada offers no safeguards. “Hamiltonians are asking, ‘What is wrong with this government?’”

Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains responded by noting the proposed deal is still before the court. “But I hope for a fair and successful resolution, and we are committed to the region and we are committed to the sector.”

In an interview, Duvall said Bains’ response rang hollow, adding the government is “hiding behind” the CCAA excuse.

The former Hamilton city councillor said federal ministers — not only local Liberal MPs — should meet with union reps, steelworkers and retirees to offer support and share plans of action.

“There’s no real commitment. Basically, it’s hope.”