The Trust
The USW 1005 ELHT Retiree Benefits Trust provides healthcare benefits and life insurance for retirees of USW 1005 Hamilton Works. Retirees’ spouses and dependents are also covered within the Trust.
The Trust was established on January 1, 2018 and is the result of CCAA proceedings with Bedrock Industries, which purchased all of US Steel Canada. USW Local 1005 negotiated complex funding arrangements to reinstate some of the previous health and life benefits that USW 1005 members had.
The Trust is governed by a board of Trustees, all of which are currently executive members of the USW Local 1005. The five (5) trustees have been involved with the union and have experience with benefit plans, labour relations, and financial matters. It is the Trustees who ensure that the Trust is managed effectively on behalf of the plan members.
The Trustees
Ron Wells-Chairperson
Ron is the current President of USW local 1005. He has many years of experience dealing with health care benefits and Workers Compensation. He was a member of the 2017 Bargaining Committee that negotiated the Employee Life Health Trust (ELHT).
Jim McColl-Trustee
Jim is the current Vice-President of USW local 1005. Jim was a member of the 2017 Bargaining Committee that negotiated the Employee Life Health Trust (ELHT). Jim is a current member of Workers Compensation and Benefits Committee and his experience will be valuable within the Trust.
Tony McLaughlin-Trustee
Tony has an extensive background in dealing with Health Care Benefits and WSIB matters. He is currently USW 1005 Workers Compensation and Benefits Chairperson and Treasurer of USW 1005. Tony was also a member of the negotiating Committee in 2017 that negotiated the Employee Life Health Trust (ELHT). His experience will be beneficial to the trust.
Dennis Van Meer-Trustee
Dennis is currently the Grievance Chair of USW local 1005. He was a member of the Bargaining Committee in 2017 that negotiated the Employee Health Care Trust (ELHT). His experience with Collective Bargaining and health care benefits will be an asset to the Trust.
Dan Bates-Trustee
Dan is currently the Financial Secretary of USW local 1005 and a member of the Workers Compensation and Benefits Committee, as well as the Grievance Committee. Dan has been dealing with the Transition Fund and administering claims within the fund for the last two years, while the other Trustees were in negotiations for the Employee Life Health Trust (ELHT). His experience dealing with finances and members benefits will be beneficial to the Trust.
Gary Howe-Trustee
Gary is recently retired and past President of USW local 1005. Gary has been involved for decades assisting active and retired members with benefits, E.I. and other issues. Gary will be an excellent addition to the Trustee.