Help for laid-off Tenaris workers announced

NEWS RELEASE

UNITED STEELWORKERS

TENARIS ALGOMA TUBES

MINISTRY OF TRAINING, COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

************************* Sault Ste. Marie & Area Adjustment Committee established to support laid-off Tenaris Algoma Tubes workers

Recent downsizing of operations at the Tenaris Algoma Tubes mill in Sault Ste. Marie has prompted the establishment of the Sault Ste. Marie & Area Adjustment Committee.

This committee, consisting of United Steelworkers Local #9548 union representatives and management representatives of Tenaris Algoma Tubes, will provide direction regarding the planning and delivery of services to affected workers and their families and provide a safe environment to share experiences and needs.

The committee has contracted Bill Therriault as its chairperson.

The committee’s priority is the establishment of an “Action Centre” that will provide affected workers and their families with access to a wide variety of services including information on employment programs and support mechanisms, job searches and access to required training.

It has hired Lillian Roe as coordinator and Barbara Middleton as administrative assistant to operate the centre.

The Action Centre will be staffed with trained peer helpers.

The Action Centre will be located at the Steelworkers Hall and is now providing these services.

Experience has indicated that action centres have proven very effective in assisting affected workers during temporary and permanent layoffs.

Affected employees are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this service.

The committee will be working with the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities and other related service agencies to quickly complete an assessment of the needs of the affected workforce.

This needs assessment will enable the committee to establish priorities, including training necessary to match skills with local industry requirements, financial counseling and other identified needs.

The committee’s connection to the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities will provide an important link to the ministry’s programs and resources through Employment Ontario. This initiative is made possible with a grant from the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities through its Adjustment Advisory Program, with additional support from the employer and union.

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