Steelworkers organize Algoma Steel strike committee

United Steelworkers Local 2251 is tooling up for a possible strike against Sault Ste. Marie's largest employer.

The union local advised its membership Thursday that it has appointed an Algoma Steel strike committee comprised of Steve Johnson, Jordan Ambeault, Frank Bruni, Adam Burns and Mike Strachan.

In a newsletter distributed to its rank-and-file members, union officials asked for volunteers to help a number of strike subcommittees.

Local 2251 represents more than 2,000 hourly workers and is the Sault steelmaker's largest union.

On Monday, local president Mike Da Prat said members had voted 99 per cent in favour of strike authorization.

Two weeks ago, Algoma Steel announced the largest per-employee payout in its 121-year history: $150.7 million in profit-sharing for the 2022 fiscal year.

The 2022 negotiating committee is made up of Mike Da Prat, Mark Molinaro, Bob Roussain, Marino DeGregorio, Luca Robibaro and Janice Merrick.

The current collective agreement expires July 31.

Local 2251 has scheduled general membership meetings for July 20 and Aug. 17.