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.