Anxious might be the best word to describe how many are feeling in Chatham-Kent now that the U.S. is putting tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports.
President Donald Trump signed an order on Monday which would put 25 per cent tariffs on the two metals starting on March 12, 2025.
According to Jeff McFadden, president of Unifor Local 127 in CK, over 1,000 people in the municipality work for businesses that would be directly affected.
“Our members’ lives and livelihoods are the most important thing and this is going to effect them immensely,” he said.
The local union represents employees at five businesses that work directly with steel and aluminum: Sonoco Canada Corporation, MSSC Canada, Martinrea Metallic Canada, Dajcor, and Dana Canada Corporation.
Rory Scheuneman, manager of Sonoco’s Chatham plant, told CK News Today the company is more worried about reciprocal tariffs from the federal government.
“We import all of our raw materials so it would have a detrimental effect on our business,” he said.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is currently in France for an international summit. He did speak to reporters about the new tariffs, saying his government will consider all options to protect Canadians.
“We will stand up for Canadian workers, we will stand up for Canadian industries,” he said.
Trudeau previously issued retaliatory tariffs after the U.S. announced plans to put tariffs on Canadian goods. These tariffs have since been put on pause as the two countries work together on border security.
Whether or not any of these tariffs go into effect, McFadden believes it’s important that people rally together.
“We’re gonna have to fight back as Canadians, stand together, and buy locally,” he said.
