Stelco to start taking workers' temperature at all gates in response to COVID-19: union

The union representing Stelco workers in Hamilton says the steelmaker plans to used handheld sensors to take the temperatures of staff at all of its gates in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

But there are currently no plans to close.

"You can't make steel from home," explained Gary Howe, president of USW Local 1005.

"A lot of Canadians can work at home and that's good. But for certain jobs ... working at home isn't really an option."

A post on the Local 1005 website says the new coronavirus pandemic is "changing rapidly."

"It is important for everyone to remember not to spread rumours or panic," it adds.

While Stelco is taking steps in reaction to the virus, Howe was quick to point out it could take days or even weeks for the temperature sensors to arrive.

In the meantime, the union is directing members to try to keep six feet of space between them and, if they develop any respiratory symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath the message is simple.

"Isolate and quarantine."

Howe said right now his union is walking a delicate balance — trying to weigh the rights of those who don't want to be denied work with others who are concerned about their health and safety.

"People need to have an income," he said. "Our workers don't get paid if they're not at work, unless they take holidays."

A Stelco spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The biggest worry for Howe's members Wednesday was colleagues returning from vacation who may have been exposed while they were abroad. But, with news of Hamilton's first case of community transmission, everyone is concerned.

As businesses across the city continue to be shuttered in response to the virus, officials have announced a new economic recovery group and website to help them hold on through the pandemic and eventually recover.

"Our focus now is to ensure that our business community is fully aware that we are here to assist them through this tumultuous time faced by their businesses," stated the city's director of economic development in a media release.

Port working on contingency plans

Stelco isn't the only local industry to keep its doors open, despite calls from health officials to head social distancing and work from home wherever possible.

The city's port is also continuing to operate, according to Ian Hamilton, president and CEO of the Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority.

Employees have been directed to work from home wherever possible, but for some roles, including unloading ships, security and maintenance that just isn't an option.

The port is following guidelines from the province and Transport Canada and is preparing for next week when the shipping season through the Welland Canal begins next week, said Hamilton.

That process calls for ships to report who is aboard and what their state of health is 96 hours before entering Canadian waters, he added.

Anyone coming off a vessel will also be screened and people working on the docks will be equipped with masks and rubber gloves.

Staff are also working on contingency plans, one of which is built around the lift bridge that lets ships in and out of Hamilton Harbour.

"If the folks who operate that bridge come down with COVID-19 we'll step in," said Hamilton. "They'll hold the bridge up and we'll ensure the boats safety navigate through the channel."

More than half of what goes through Hamilton's port is related to steel, said the CEO, so he doesn't believe the health crisis will have too much of an impact. Still, if all foreign ships were halted the effect could be "devastating."

"I think it's critical that we do our job to ensure we maintain the integrity of our supply chain in Canada just to make sure the goods do make it to the consumers," said Hamilton.

The CEO did have some good news to share from one of the port's trucking partners.

"They told me ... they moved 55 truckloads of toilet paper last week."