Employment Law

ArcelorMittal Dofasco Layoffs: Your Rights and Severance Pay Explained

Honeywell layoffs and severance pay

Facing a Layoff at ArcelorMittal? Know Your Options

What is ArcelorMittal Dofasco?

Dofasco, also known as ArcelorMittal Dofasco, is a Canadian steel company that specializes in the production of flat-rolled steel products for the automotive, construction, and energy industries. The company is headquartered in Hamilton, Ontario and has additional offices and facilities in other parts of Canada.

Dofasco employs around 5,000 people in Canada and has multiple locations, including a main steelmaking plant in Hamilton, an automotive steel finishing facility in Windsor, and a research and development centre in Burlington.

The types of jobs available at ArcelorMittal Dofasco vary and include positions in engineering, production, maintenance, supply chain, finance, human resources, and more.

Dofasco was founded in 1912 as Dominion Steel Castings Company and began producing steel in 1917. Over the years, the company grew and changed ownership several times before being acquired by Luxembourg-based ArcelorMittal in 2006 (who outbid ThyssenKrupp AG). Today, ArcelorMittal Dofasco is one of the largest and most successful steel producers in Canada, known for its high-quality products and commitment to sustainability.

Rights for Non-Unionized Employees

Every industry comes with unique dynamics that can affect staff during a layoff.

For instance, individuals often work under specific employment contracts, bonus structures, or non-compete clauses that may impact their severance entitlements and future job prospects.

If you’ve been let go from ArcelorMittal Dofasco, it’s critical to review your employment agreement carefully.

We’re Here to Support Your Next Steps

Losing your job is more than just a financial setback — it’s a major change that can impact your career trajectory and personal confidence.

This guide is here to provide clarity and empower you during this transition.

We’ll outline your severance rights, explain what non-unionized employees are entitled to, and offer actionable steps to help you move forward and protect your future.


📺 WATCH: Key Things Non-Unionized Employees Should Know After a Layoff


Laid Off at ArcelorMittal? 5 Steps to Take

1️⃣ Don’t sign anything immediately: Take your time to review all termination documents carefully. Speak with a lawyer before signing anything to ensure you’re fully informed and protected.

2️⃣ Document everything: Save copies of termination letters, severance offers, and correspondence with your employer for future reference.

3️⃣
Use our Severance Pay Calculator: Estimate what you’re owed with our Severance Pay Calculator. This quick step helps you understand your entitlements and plan your next move.

4️⃣ Get legal advice:
Contact an employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP to ensure your severance package reflects your full rights.

5️⃣ Start exploring new opportunities: Update your resume and begin searching for new roles. Proactively seeking work demonstrates your efforts to find a new job, which is very important in severance claims.

💡 Wrongfully Dismissed?
Our firm can review your situation and advise you of potential next steps in the event that you were wrongfully dismissed.

Protect Your Layoff Rights

Your severance package should reflect everything you’re owed. Contact us for a review.

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Severance Pay Facts for ArcelorMittal Employees

  • How to Calculate

    Severance Pay can include up to 24 months’ pay. It’s based on factors like your length of service, age, position, and the current job market conditions.
  • Additional Factors

    Severance can include more than a lump sum. Regular bonuses, commissions, and continued health or dental benefits should be part of your package, especially if they’re critical for ongoing care.
  • Time Limit

    Your employer’s deadline to sign a severance offer isn’t legally binding. Take your time to review it and get legal advice. You have up to two years from your termination date to file a claim.
  • Still Owed Severance

    Severance often applies even when employers claim cause, misclassify you as a contractor, end a fixed-term contract early, or make major changes to your job.

ArcelorMittal Dofasco Layoffs: Key Dates & Insights

Layoffs can take place due to recessions, downsizing, restructuring, cost-cutting measures, and shifts in operational focus.

Below is a timeline of recent layoffs at ArcelorMittal Dofasco:

  • June 2025: ArcelorMittal is closing its wire drawing mill in Hamilton — affecting approximately 153 jobs.

Proven Results During Layoffs

Samfiru Tumarkin LLP specializes in resolving severance matters efficiently, ensuring clients get fair compensation without stepping into a courtroom. Nearly all cases are settled in our clients’ favour early, but when court is necessary, we have the expertise to deliver results — often with legal fees covered by the employer.

HBC Restores Severance After Lawyer’s Intervention

Hudson’s Bay reinstated full severance packages for a group of laid off employees after significant public outcry and the legal advocacy of Lior Samfiru. As reported by Global News, this outcome highlights the importance of standing up for employee rights and getting legal support.

BMO Faces the Music

In Maticevic v. Bank of Montreal, a dedicated long-term employee found justice after being wrongfully dismissed. With Stephen LeMesurier, a lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP leading the charge, they secured a game-changing severance package.

Short Stint, Huge Statement

In Marques v. Delmar International, a high-level executive was shown the door after just eight months — but didn’t leave empty-handed. Thanks to Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, they secured a four-month severance, showing even short-term employees deserve big wins.

Layoff FAQs

Do Employment Contracts Affect Severance?

Yes, an employment contract can affect your severance entitlements if it includes enforceable termination clauses.

However, many of these clauses may be invalid for several reasons.

Are Temporary Layoffs Legal?

Temporary layoffs for non-unionized employees are generally not permitted unless specifically allowed by an employment contract.

Otherwise, a layoff may be treated as a termination through a constructive dismissal claim.

Are Contractors Entitled to Severance?

If your work closely resembles that of an employee — such as reporting to a manager, using company equipment, or working regular hours — you may qualify for severance even if classified as a contractor.

Should I Negotiate My Severance Package?

To ensure that you receive the amount of compensation that you’re entitled to, let our lawyers in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia (BC) negotiate on your behalf.

Are Severance Deadlines Legal?

Your employer’s deadline to accept a severance offer isn’t legally binding.

You have up to two years from your termination date to file a claim for severance, so it’s important to review your offer carefully and seek legal advice before signing anything.

Can Unionized Employees get Severance?

Unionized employees are governed by collective agreements, which outline severance and other rights.

By law, only your union can represent you in these matters — even if you feel your union isn’t providing adequate assistance. Unfortunately, our firm can’t assist represent employees with severance or wrongful dismissal issues.


Why Samfiru Tumarkin LLP?

At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, we’ve helped over 50,000 clients secure fair severance packages — recovering millions of dollars for non-unionized employees across Canada.

With extensive experience representing workers in roles at small businesses and large organizations across various industries, our team provides the expertise you need to navigate your layoff effectively.

We specialize in assisting employees in Ontario, Alberta, and BC — ensuring rights are fully protected.

In addition to employment law, our firm handles disability claims and personal injury cases.


Get Help Today!

Contact Samfiru Tumarkin LLP to get the compensation you’re entitled to.

📞 Call 1-855-821-5900 or request a consultation online.

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Key Resources for ArcelorMittal Staff


Disclaimer: The materials above are provided as general information about the rights of non-unionized employees in Canada. It is not specific to any one company and SHOULD NOT be read as suggesting any improper conduct on the part of any specific employer, or a relationship between Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and a specific employer.

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