Business · Economy · 2 days ago
Stelco begins issuing layoff notices as Canada loses 68,000 jobs in September
Stelco has begun handing out layoff notices at its steel plant in Hamilton, Ontario.
The company announced last week that it could cut up to 500 jobs, citing the trade war.
One worker, Mike Watts, said Friday was his last day at the plant.
Canada also lost 68,000 jobs in September, wiping out employment gains recorded earlier in 2026, according to Statistics Canada.
Economists say the job losses add to pressure on an already difficult labour market, and that trade disruptions could cause further strain in industries exposed to tariffs.
Stelco’s U.S. parent company, Cleveland-Cliffs, has said affected workers could be called back if a trade deal is reached.
Federal Industry Minister Mélanie Joly has warned the company it must honour commitments made when it acquired Stelco, including those related to jobs.
Canada lost 68,000 jobs in September, erasing all employment gains recorded so far in 2026, according to Statistics Canada.
Stelco began issuing layoff notices at its Hamilton steel plant after announcing the previous week that it could cut up to 500 jobs, citing the ongoing trade war.
Mike Watts said Friday was his last day at Stelco and that supervisors had given him a layoff notice.
Stelco’s U.S. parent company, Cleveland-Cliffs, has said affected workers could be called back if a trade deal is reached.
Federal Industry Minister Mélanie Joly has given Cleveland-Cliffs until the evening of October 13 to present a plan to meet its obligations.
- Who
- Stelco workers, including Mike Watts; Stelco and its parent company, Cleveland-Cliffs
- What
- Stelco began issuing layoff notices amid plans for potential job cuts of up to 500.
- When
- Layoff notices began in October 2026; the article was published October 9.
- Where
- Stelco’s steel plant in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Why
- Stelco cited the ongoing trade war.
Cleveland-Cliffs
Mike Watts
Possible return to work
Cleveland-Cliffs
Cleveland-Cliffs has said affected workers could be called back if a trade deal is reached.
Mike Watts
Watts said he viewed the possibility of reinstatement as pressure on workers and called it blackmail.
Stelco announced it could cut up to 500 jobs, citing the ongoing trade war.
Statistics Canada reported that employment fell by 68,000 in September, and Stelco workers began receiving layoff notices.
The deadline set by Industry Minister Mélanie Joly for Cleveland-Cliffs to present a plan to meet its obligations.
- September job losses
- 68,000
- Potential Stelco job cuts
- Up to 500
- Stelco plant location
- Hamilton, Ontario
- Deadline for Cleveland-Cliffs plan
- Evening of October 13, 2026
What people are saying
What’s my future? That’s all I’m thinking about. What will I do next?
I take it as Cleveland-Cliffs is using this as blackmail. That’s how I see it.
quite disappointing.
These workers did everything right, and my message to them is to keep the hope and keep the faith because we will keep fighting for you,
Sources
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