Factory workers worry if enough is being done to protect city's economic 'backbone' from COVID-19

The streets are quiet, stores are shuttered and bars are closed, but every day thousands of people still punch in at major Hamilton employers like Stelco and Dofasco, often eating and working in close quarters despite the threat of COVID-19.

They've been deemed essential, so manufacturing of the product that's synonymous with the city continues — pandemic or not. As the president of USW Local 1005 pointed out, "You can't make steel from home."

But with health officials urging people to physically distance and two cases of the new coronavirus confirmed at Dofasco, workers are wondering if enough is being done to keep them and their families safe.

"To say that two people can't walk into a park and touch playground equipment, but two people can go into a factory and work on the same piece of machinery, really is an insult to workers," said Anthony Marco, president of the Hamilton and District Labour Council.

"We're basically asking workers to do something we wouldn't ask the general public to do."

Stelco has not responded to repeated requests for comment about what steps it's taking to protect its employees. Its website bears no mention of the virus. The latest news releases reference quarterly earnings and a search of the terms "COVID-19" and "coronavirus" yield no results.

In an email to CBC News, one worker said it's impossible to stay the recommended six feet apart in places like pulpits and lunch rooms and described the steelmaker's reaction to the pandemic as business as usual.

Gary Howe, president of the union representing Stelco workers, said the company plans to use thermometers to check employee temperatures at all of its gates, but as of Wednesday morning they still hadn't shown up. 

"We're taking precautions just like everyone else," he said, adding workers are trying to keep their distance and use good hygiene.

"All our members are doing a pretty good job. If they're not feeling too well, they're trying not to come into work," said Howe. "It's not like anybody working from home wants to be there."

No Stelco workers have tested positive for COVID-19 so far, according to the union president.

COVID-19 'inevitable' among workers  

That's not the case at the city's other major steelmaker. An ArcelorMittal Dofasco employee and a third-party contractor working on site have both tested positive for the virus and are in isolation at home.

Dr. Mike Pysklywec, the company's physician, struck a different tone than Stelco in his message to staff.

"COVID-19 cases among Dofasco employees are inevitable during a pandemic," he said in a media release. "I know this is anxiety-provoking and it should highlight the need for infectious precautions."

In response, the company has rolled out a process for dealing with patients and has provided updates on its website "to keep people informed."

But for some, like Sheldon Taylor, questions remain. People aren't necessarily concerned about contracting COVID-19 themselves, they're worried about carrying it to their loved ones, especially older parents.

"No one I know wants to be their family's 'ground zero for COVID-19,'" said the 36-year veteran in Dofasco's finishing division.

The impact of the virus is being felt elsewhere too.

National Steel Car (NSC), another of the city's main manufacturers, announced this week that it will be temporarily suspending operations amid the pandemic.

The official reason provided by the company's CEO is because the personal protective equipment its workers rely on to stay safe is being prioritized for healthcare workers instead.

However, Paul Mathieson, vice-president of USW Local 7135, said he believes the decision that will leave 1,800 people without work is linked to a shortage of work and concerns around COVID-19.

"We're the backbone of this town, Stelco, National Steel Car, Dofasco, we're the working class," he previously told CBC, adding workers at NSC were "putting themselves in harms way for nothing" because they couldn't afford to go without a paycheque.

On Wednesday, after the NSC's announcement, he said his members were left with mixed feelings.

"I think most of the guys are happy not to be here," Mathieson said, referencing worries about the virus. "But it's sad because they know there's no money at home."

'It's not business as usual'

Those who are still required to report for work face challenges too, said Marco with the labour council.

While employees have the right to refuse unsafe work doing so can be "intimidating," particularly if someone's role is precarious.

While some workers are essential for helping Canada and its economy survive the pandemic, others included in the province's list of services that can keep operating raised eyebrows.

"We were expecting something close to a provincial shutdown and that only really essential services were going to stay open," said Marco. "A lot of people saw that list and thought: 'That looks like almost everything is staying open.'"

On Wednesday Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath called on Premier Doug Ford to review what's considered essential. During a media update, Ford confirmed the province is in the process of adjusting the list.

Marco said many of Hamilton's workers want to do their part, but they need the province to make sure they're protected, especially in roles where physical distancing isn't an option.

"If a job can't happen safely, whether we're in a crisis situation like COVID-19 or not, it shouldn't be happening," he added.

"I think some of the fear comes in when we're just treating this as business as usual, because it's not business as usual."