Algoma Steel workers in possible strike position Monday morning

Notwithstanding other information circulating in the community, the earliest members of Steelworkers Local 2251 could be in a legal strike position against Algoma Steel will be in the wee hours of the Civic Holiday, Monday, Aug. 1.

Both the company and Local 2251 office have confirmed to SooToday that no legal strike can occur on Sunday.

Brenda Stenta, the steelmaker's manager of branding and communications, says: "I can confirm the contract expires July 31 at midnight," meaning the last moment after 11:59:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 31.

However, as SooToday has previously reported, Algoma intends to start winding down its operations on Sunday to protect its steelmaking assets.

"In the absence of an agreement to extend, the company will need to commence preparations for the orderly shutdown of operations after midnight tonight," Stenta said on Saturday evening.

United Steelworkers Local 2251 is continuing to accept strike vote ballots until 9:30 p.m. tonight.

It announced Saturday that its office on Albert Street will be open on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Monday during the same hours to answer questions and provide copies of the union's comprehensive offer of settlement.

The union is setting up a strike office at 162 Gore St.