Sessions help Algoma Steel workers prepare as massive layoffs loom

A thousand Algoma Steel workers are facing layoffs on March 23, and many of them attended an information session at Sault College on Wednesday.

A thousand Algoma Steel employees in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., are set to be laid off in just over two months. On Wednesday, Sault College hosted a session to help those workers understand their options, whether it be straight into a new job or training for a new career.

The layoffs were announced in December and take effect March 23. They were prompted by the trade war launched by U.S. President Donald Trump, who imposed 50 per cent tariffs on steel exports from Canada.

Gautam Ghosh, an Algoma Steel employee for eight years, said they knew job cuts were coming, but thought they were years away.

“I knew that the situation would come … in 2028 and I was prepared for that,” Ghosh said.

“But it came almost two and a half years early. That was something — I was not prepared for that.”

To help prepare affected employees for their time after the steel plant, Sault College has hosted four information sessions. On hand to offer support were officials with the new Steelworker Power Action Centre, including employment professionals and college staff.

“We offered information in a classroom about employment supports available, the programs we offer and … our academic upgrading course year, continuing education,” said Tanya Running of Sault College.

“And then we opened up a fair-style type of information so everybody can talk one-on-one about their own personal situation, so that we really are delivering support in any way that might be needed.”

One-on-one talks

Nick Cimino, an Algoma Steel employee for 1.5 years, said the event has been helpful to him.

“We’ve got here a lot of different ideas, different perspectives, a lot of different people to talk to about what might be available, both for retraining or trying to immediately get back into the workforce,” Cimino.

Among the first steps affected workers are told to take is to contact or visit the action centre at 68 Dennis St.

“The action centre itself actually opened on Jan. 5,” said Bob Karklins of the Canadian Skills and Training Employment Coalition.

“We’re still ramping up, but we’re actively engaged with all the employees of Algoma Steel that received notice, as well as suppliers who have been impacted by the downsizing at Algoma.”

Karklins also suggested that laid-off steelworkers visit the action centre as soon as possible, and not wait until their employment insurance nears an end before acting.

They should bring their resume and any training documents they have to help with their job search.

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