Back to the Bargaining Table for Essar Steel Algoma Stakeholders

by john.murtha on January 29, 2018, 12:01pm. EST

The Superior Court Justice overseeing the restructuring process for Essar Steel Algoma is allowing for negotiations between the company and consenting creditors and the two Steelworker bargaining union locals to continue through the CCAA process and through a court order that suspends the issuance of a no board report and possible work stoppage.
Justice J. Hainey has set aside a motion to lift the Labour Stay—-Algoma had called for the motion arguing that negotiating through the Ontario Labour Relations Act process was the best way to end an impasse in labour negotiations.
Justice Hainey has also called on the court-appointed mediator Warren Winkler to make himself available for the negotiations and that the negotiations should be conducted in the Sault at the earliest practical date.
He says his motion which came down on Friday shall remain in place provided progress is being made in negotiations.
Justice Hainey further states that it is clear there is considerable blame for the failed negotiations on the part of all the parties.