Hamilton’s National Steel Car suspends operations ahead of safety protest
Published June 9, 2022 at 2:41 pm
Hamilton’s National Steel Car (NSC) has suspended operations at its north end plant Thursday afternoon (June 9) ahead of a rally protesting the safety of the workplace.
The rally, scheduled for Thursday afternoon at the entrance of the plant, comes after 51-year-old Quok Li, a father and welder at NSC, was killed this week when a 2,000-lb. steel bulkhead fell on him.
“We have been made aware of a planned protest this afternoon at our main entrance that will impede the safe entry and exit of our facility,” NSC said in a Facebook post announcing the halt of operations Thursday.
“Out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to temporarily suspend our manufacturing operations today and tomorrow. We are planning to resume operations next week.”
Li’s death is the third at NSC in less than two years.
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The Ministry of Labour has been called in to investigate the circumstances surrounding this latest tragedy but many, including NSC workers, their families and unions, are calling for a more in-depth investigation into overall safety and security at the plant, with some even alleging criminal negligence.
“We are mourning another Steelworker killed on the job,” United Steel Workers said in a Facebook post shared this week.
“When will these companies be held criminally responsible? This negligence is senseless, unacceptable and our governments must do more to make sure employers are held accountable.”
In the wake of Li’s death, a Go Fund Me page has been launched in his memory.
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