Steelworkers to Stelco owner: “Damn right we’re colluding with Ottawa”

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Postmedia has not reviewed the content. by GlobeNewswire Steelworkers to Stelco owner: "Damn right we're colluding with Ottawa"Author of the article:Union representing laid-off workers makes no apology for helping enforce Canadian lawTHIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLYSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESCreate an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountTORONTO, Oct. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The American CEO of the company that owns the Stelco steel mills laying off Canadian workers accused the United Steelworkers union (USW) of “colluding” with the federal government.“Damn right we’re colluding with Ottawa,” said USW national director Marty Warren. “Like a witness colluding with the police to catch a crook, we make no apology for helping enforce Canadian law.”This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.In unhinged comments, Lourenco Goncalves, CEO of Stelco owner Cleveland-Cliffs, made wild accusations that the USW was colluding with Ottawa, which in turn was colluding with the USW. “I would never expect that the Canadian government would be colluding with the union against the ownership of the company.Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again“I could expect that in South American countries, but not in Canada,” he said. “It’s a big surprise.”In reply, Warren said the real surprise is that Goncalves is surprised.“Mr. Goncalves made several commitments to the federal government while seeking approval to buy Stelco, one of North America’s most efficient steel facilities.“He swore he’d maintain employment levels at 2024 levels but is laying off up to 500 workers.“He pledged to expand shipments of Stelco products yet admits to investors that he bought a competitor to keep it out of the U.S. market.“And he promised to defend Canada’s exemption from President Trump’s tariffs – in his words, because Canada plays by the rules – yet before Congress and in the media has championed those very same tariffs.”Warren said far from Ottawa agreeing with Steelworkers that Cleveland-Cliffs must honour commitments made with corrupt regimes elsewhere, it’s quite the opposite.“It’s not the Steelworkers or Industry Minister Mélanie Joly who resemble some hypothetical despot,” he said. “It’s buying an asset, idling it to benefit yourself, and deciding that laws which apply to everyone else don’t to you.“It should be obvious that Canada and the Steelworkers will fight back.”Jamey Heath, USW communications, jheath@usw.caThis advertisement has not loaded yet.Notice for the Postmedia NetworkThis website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. 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