Essar Iron Oresman hang up life jackets for another year

Poor weather forcasts could not dampen team Essar’s Iron Oresmen’s spirits at this year’s Dragon Boat Festival. Maybe it was luck, or maybe a full 24 hours of hoping for clear skies, but the proposed rain for Saturday June 12th held off, turning this year’s Dragon Boat Festival into a fun, memorable day of relaxing, socializing, and of course…paddling. With a drummer channeling the aura of Jack Sparrow, and a steersman instilling the fear of an army sergeant, we were bound for greatness!

Joking aside, although Essar’s Iron Oresmen didn’t officially win, team members put in a valiant effort and walked away from the experience feeling the goodness of volunteerism, the warmth of camaraderie, and personal triumph. Collectively, they raised $1,165 in pledges in support of the Sault Search and Rescue and the YMCA.

We proudly salute the 2010 Essar Iron Oresman for their show of spirit - Paddles Up!

THE DRAGONS ARE COMING!

By now you will have seen “The Dragons are Coming!” signs all around the city promoting the upcoming Sault Dragon Boat Festival (http://saultdragonboat.com/).

The Festival takes place this Saturday June 12, 2010 on Topsail Island, Bellevue Park. Proceeds from the event go to Sault Search and Rescue and the Sault Family YMCA.

For their 6th consecutive year, Essar Steel Algoma will be represented at the Festival by the ESSAR Iron Oresmen. The team is made up of employees from across the organization – some experienced paddlers, some new recruits – all keen to show their ESSAR spirit.

On June 12, 2010 – come out to Topsail Island and support the Oresmen!

PADDLES UP!

ESSAR SPIRIT RUNS THE GREAT LAKES!

"Long after the finish time is forgotten, the race is still remembered." - Unknown

Yesterday, despite the rain and cool weather, 13 runners from ESSAR Steel Algoma participated in the Run the Great Lakes race. Two of the runners started at 8:30 am and completed the half marathon and the balance ran the 5K/10K that started at 9:30.

Proceeds from the event go to the Lung Association and the Sault Athletics Track Club.

The race was a milestone event for several members of ESSAR’s newly formed Run/Walk group – a wellness initiative designed to support employees looking to adopt an active lifestyle.

Click here to read the accompanying article from the Sault Star.

Steve McEwan

Background: Rob Wildman, Foregroud: Andre Cyr

Steve Ancic

Mike Suraci

Essar featured in international environment magazine

Earlier this year Essar Steel Algoma hosted an international media delegation (International Go North Green Media Tour) and responded to a request from the editor of Environment Industry Magazine (a United Kingdom publication) to write a case study on our Cogeneration project. Attached is a link to the article as it appears in the April/May 2010 edition of the magazine.

Click through slides to pages 140/141 to view.

NEGOTIATIONS UNDERWAY

Yesterday, the Company and both of our bargaining units, USW 2724 and USW 2251 met to exchange proposals and begin the collective bargaining process. Our bargaining backgrounder has more information on this important round of collective bargaining for Essar Steel Algoma Inc.

Click here to read the coverage in The Sault Star.

Bargaining Begins

Earlier today, the Company and both of our bargaining units, USW 2724 and USW 2251 met to exchange proposals and begin the collective bargaining process.

For this round of collective bargaining, we have made some changes over previous years. To start, all bargaining will occur in Sault Ste Marie. We will not relocate to southern Ontario as in previous years. Understanding how important this round of bargaining is, we have put together a single bargaining team whose sole focus will be to negotiate a fair agreement. This bargaining team includes outside advisors, Harvey Beresford and Tom Wood.

You can read more about our collective bargaining by clicking here.

Steel Days

Representatives from ESSAR Steel Algoma are in Ottawa this week to participate in Steel Days discussions with cabinet ministers, members of parliament and senior government officials. Their message focuses on Canada’s ‘New Steel’ and the industry’s economic impact and environmental performance, particularly as it contributes to a more innovative, green and sustainable future.

As a manufacturer of high strength, light weight steel solutions, ESSAR Steel Algoma plays an important role as a supplier to manufacturers in automotive and green energy sectors who are seeking to develop stronger, lighter products. We are a key component in other major industrial and manufacturing clusters, helping to create good, secure jobs and strengthening the Canadian economy.

While in Ottawa, ESSAR, in partnership with other members of the Canadian Steel Producers Association (CSPA), will talk with policy makers about the steel industry’s priorities and the important role we can play in making Canada stronger.

Click here to read the Steel Days Press Release.

A comprehensive study of Canada’s steel sector was released yesterday, presenting new insights into the impact of steel in Canada and offering a fresh look at future prospects for the industry.

Click here to read a summary of the study’s key findings.

Click here to read the complete study by Dr. Peter Warrian of the Munk Centre for International Studies, University of Toronto.