Steelworkers protest at National Steel Car following third employee death under two years

Steelworkers and their supporters rallied at the gates of the National Steel Car plant today. They are outraged over the death of a worker at the plant this week, the third worker killed at National Steel car in less than two years.

Steelworkers Union President Frank Crowder read the names of the workers who’ve died in less than two years at National Steel Car. “Fraser Cowan September 2, 2020, Colin Grayley April 23, 2021, Quoc Li, June 6, 2022” Crowder called for a moment of silence, and a criminal investigation by police.

In the latest death, a 51-year-old man was crushed by a one-ton piece of metal Monday evening.

Steelworkers and their supporters say they want a thorough investigation by the ministry of labour and the police.

National Steel Car has not responded to our requests for comment.

The company closed its operations for two days today because of the protest, with a Facebook statement citing safety, saying “the protest will impede safe entry and exit of our facility. Our top priority remains the health and safety of our people, suppliers and partners.”

Some steelworkers called the closure vindictive, saying it will leave them without pay for two days, while the company is advertising for more workers.

There were calls at the rally for investigations into everything around this week’s death at National Steel Car.

Hamilton police told CHCH News this afternoon they are investigating along with the ministry of labour. Police say it could lead to charges under provincial health and safety legislation or criminal charges.