Steelworkers rally in downtown Hamilton against lay-offs and pension cuts marching under the slogan "Oppose Economic Terrorism." Dec. 14, 2009

The rally covered all four corners of Main and James streets. Workers from U.S. Steel (formerly Stelco) handed out flyers as they have done every Monday afternoon for the past year. The flyer attacked "the monopolies and the rich" for the economic crisis and called for "public ownership and control over the basic sectors of the economy."

Tensions rise on MultiServ picket line
Lisa Grace Marr
The Hamilton Spectator
(Sep 28, 2009)

Tensions are escalating in the ongoing dispute between MultiServ and its locked-out employees.

Early Saturday about two dozen employees formed a picket line at U.S. Steel's Hamilton plant. MultiServ runs its operations within U.S. Steel's gates.

The employees were protesting the use of replacement workers, some of whom were former union members who had received retirement packages.

About 110 employees of the firm, which provides slag recycling services to U.S. Steel and ArcelorMittal Dofasco, have been locked out for nearly 11 weeks.

The company has been using salaried, non-union staff to run the plant.

Talks broke off last Tuesday without resolution.

Pennsylvania-based Harsco Corp., owner of MultiServ, is seeking a 15 per cent wage cut in addition to other concessions.