The Current What 1,000 steel layoffs mean for Sault Ste. Marie
Dec 3, 2025
In this discussion, Bill Slater, the president of United Steelworkers Local 2724, shares the anguish and fears of workers facing 1,000 layoffs at Algoma Steel. He highlights the urgent need for retraining programs as workers worry about their families. Mayor Matthew Shoemaker explains the broader economic impact on Sault Ste. Marie, emphasizing the struggle of local businesses to cope with the loss of jobs. The conversation raises critical questions about government support and the need for strategies that prioritize worker protection.
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Tariffs And Modernization Drive Layoffs
- Algoma's layoffs are tied to tariffs and a shift to electric arc furnaces, despite receiving public financing.
- CEO Michael Garcia says the loan secures Algoma as the foundation of Canada's steel industry going forward.
Workers Face Immediate Financial Fear
- Workers are focused on immediate survival, not long-term transition hopes.
- Bill Slater says employees worry about feeding their families as notices approach.
Seniority Determines Who Stays
- The company issued notices about which jobs will be eliminated but final layoffs depend on a bumping process.
- Union seniority rules mean some members can keep jobs while others at the bottom will lose them.