Essar Steel Algoma may face its first strike in more than a quarter century after asking its hourly workers to accept a 10 per cent wage reduction and other concessions.

Terms of the company's negotiating position are being presented to members of the United Steelworkers Local 2251 at a series of emergency information meetings today at the Quattro Hotel and Conference Centre.

In addition to wage cuts, local president Michael Da Prat said that Essar Steel Algoma is also seeking elimination of cost of living increases and reduction of paid vacations.

According to Da Prat, the company has served notice that it may seek a no-board report and unilaterally impose contract terms some time around Feb. 20.

"If the company requests a no-board report, we have to take a strike vote," Da Prat told SooToday.

Further information will be added to this article later this evening.