SAULT STE. MARIE -- The union representing workers at Algoma Steel in Sault Ste. Marie is calling for more sanitization products and a limit on contractors at the plant.
The mill is one of several that were deemed "essential" by the province, meaning workers stayed on the job March 24, despite COVID-19 concerns.
"One thing that is especially concerning is the number of private contractors coming into the mill," said Mike DaPrat, USW Local 2251 President.
"There will be a number of people inside Algoma, working in similar areas, same areas, to our people, that we don't know what their exposure could be like."
DaPrat says he also has some concerns with a lack of sanitization products onsite.
"There's some supplies like hand sanitizers that nobody seems to be able to get ahold of."
DaPrat says he's also working to implement staggered start and stop times, in order to alleviate congestion amongst workers.
Despite the concerns, he says the union and workers are pleased to be on the job.
Algoma Steel officials were not available for comment.
