Local 2251 moves out of Steel Hall

The fate of the Union Hall on Dennis Street will be announced at a special meeting there this week.

United Steelworkers Local 2251 members will be meeting on Thursday, July 9, to hear about plans for the building they own, says local president Mike DaPrat (shown).

There will be two meetings for members on Thursday, one at 9:30 a.m. and one at 7:30 p.m.

"It's already been announced to the members that we are moving to the old United Way building in September," DaPrat tells SooToday.com

The transition will take some time and at least two meetings will be held at the Dennis Street Hall in September, but the official move-in date at 8 Albert Street East is September 1, he said.

"It's a sad time for us," DaPrat said. "It has become obvious that our membership will not increase significantly in the near future to the point where the local can afford such a large building."

The Steelworkers have been trying for many months to sell the downtown landmark.

The local will be leasing the building at 8 Albert Street and DaPrat said the landlord is currently completing leasehold improvements.

"Leasing will provide the executive with an opportunity for budgeting," he said. "With ownership there's always uncertainty in expenses, with maintenance and such, which have been increasing lately."

The regular general membership meeting for September will be at the Dennis Street Hall as planned, DaPrat said.

A special nomination meeting for the local's international officers will also take place in the Dennis Street Union Hall on September 21.