Breakthrough in Algoma Steel talks

A tentative agreement has been struck tonight between Algoma Steel and its two largest collective bargaining groups.

United Steelworkers of America Local 2251, representing about 2,200 hourly rated production, maintenance and clerical workers, announced that it's reached a tentative agreement averting a strike deadline just four days away.

The pact must be approved by rank-and-file members of the union at a ratification vote on Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the Steelworkers Hall.

Information meetings are planned for tomorrow (Wednesday) at 9:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Best Western on Great Northern Road.

An information meeting for Local 2251 members was to have taken place tonight, but the gathering was cancelled this afternoon after the union put a new offer on the table and talks continued in Toronto.

Local 2724

Algoma Steel confirmed the Local 2251 announcement tonight, and also announced that a similar tentative agreement had been reached with USWA Local 2724, whose contract also expires on Saturday.

Local 2724 represents more than 500 supervisors and technical staff. "The negotiating committees of both locals are unanimously recommending approval of the agreements," the company said tonight in a written statement.

"Ratification votes on the tentative agreements are to be held over the next few days. The company intends to release the major items of the tentative agreements simultaneously with the information meetings being held by the unions," the statement said.

"We are pleased that we have reached tentative agreements without a labour disruption," said ASI president and chief executive officer Denis Turcotte.

"As we move forward, we can continue to work cooperatively with our unions to reposition the company for success."

Said Wayne Fraser, the Steelworkers Ontario/Atlantic director: "It will now be up to the membership to decide whether to accept the settlements."