Three more years of Mike Da Prat

Mike Da Prat's 15-year reign as undisputed champion of United Steelworkers Local 2251 continues after the former plate-mill and tube-mill worker's re-election to another three-year term.

In voting results released today, Da Prat easily defeated challenger Luca Robibaro for the presidency of Essar Steel Algoma's biggest union local.

Steelworkers "obviously view the fact that we're in negotiations and CCAA [Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act protection] very seriously," Da Prat tells SooToday.

"They voted to ensure that we get a fair collective agreement," he says.

Da Prat sees some road bumps in the future, even after the steel mill emerges from insolvency protection.

"We're definitely going to be addressing health and safety issues. We think that we've addressed our concerns in negotiations if they come to a successful conclusion. But the workplace is still very important and extraordinarily disorganized with respect to that."

Mark Molinaro was chosen vice president over Bob Roussain in this week's Local 2251 elections.

Rainer Schmitt was elected financial secretary.

Marino Degregario was acclaimed as treasurer.

John Kallio was acclaimed recording secretary.

Grievance committee members will be Bob Roussain, Mark Molinaro, Marino DeGregorio, Owen Heeps and Peter Corbett.

Also acclaimed were:

• Janice Merrick as unit chair
• Owen Heeps as guide
• Mike Matthews and Sheldon Frost, guards
• Drew Craig, John Notte and Steve Johnson, trustees

The new term for Da Prat and other members of the local executive starts next month.