Russel Metals Inc announced that it is currently in mediation discussions with a BC Ministry of Labour mediator and United Steelworkers representatives to help reach agreement on language and issues related to five plants in British Columbia.

The United Steelworkers issued a news release regarding a strike mandate at the Company's AJ Forsyth operations in British Columbia. Under the mediation process the parties can neither strike nor force a lockout.

Mr Brian R Hedges president & CEO of Russel Metals said “Our British Columbia operations were significantly impacted by the slowdown in the forestry industry prior to 2008 and further impacted by the economic downturn in 2008. We do not expect to return to previous volumes at a number of our operations and we need to make many changes throughout our British Columbia region. A strike call by the union would cause hardship for all of our employees and their families, as well as create uncertainty in our customer base and, as such, is not our preferred solution. The decision to put out an announcement by the union of a strike mandate is being taken seriously by management. We will take all avenues open to us to allow us to provide continued service to our customers.”