Uncertainty about future of Hamilton Specialty Bar

Steel workers from the Hamilton Specialty Bar were shocked when they learned the steel mill is now in receivership and looking for a buyer.

Dozens of workers, current and retired, met in Hamilton today to hear their fate. The outcome according to union president, Mickey Mercanti was positive.

The company employs about 220 people including 170 union members.

Earlier this month, the company was put into receivership and a trustee took over. The mill has continued its operations.

Workers are told there are four weeks worth of work to complete customer orders.

These workers will lose their jobs if a new buyer isn’t found in the next few weeks.

The mill has been operating for more than a century.

The plant melts scrap metal to make different sizes of round steel bars, mainly to manufacture cars.

It has a long history dating back to 1910, when it began as Canada Steel Company and rolled steel for railroads.

Mercanti says negotiations with a new buyer will include making sure medical benefits for retirees are covered.