Gerdau recycling workers strike in Manitoba

Gerdau faces a work stoppage in Canada after United Steelworkers Local 8740 members went on strike at Gerdau AmeriSteel Manitoba Metals. The walkout at the Selkirk recycling operations began at 11:00 p.m. on 11 September after months of collective bargaining failed to produce a deal.

Union members rejected three separate contract offers from the employer, voting against each offer by 92%. The workforce also delivered a 92% strike mandate on 23 July. The union subsequently served a 72-hour strike notice on 8 September.

The two parties met in conciliation on 24 August, where Gerdau offered a signing bonus of $1,800. The union stated that the primary dispute over annual wage increases remains unresolved. Phil Hayden, a USW staff representative, noted that top-tier recycling workers with 40 years of service earn $9 to $10 an hour less than newly hired labourers at the adjacent mill.

The Selkirk recycling facility supplies feed material directly to the adjacent mill. The union said it remains ready to return to the bargaining table to reach an agreement.