Potential for steelworker strike looms as remaining locals cast authorization vote
The steelworkers at each
"Every meeting so far has resulted in an overwhelming 'yes' vote, many of them unanimous," USW spokesman
Steelworkers at the Mon Valley Works --
"While we are aware of the strike authorization vote, talks are ongoing and we continue to work diligently to reach a mutually agreeable conclusion," the steelmaker said.
Committee members will return to
The USW said it will continue to work on a 48-hour rolling extension of the current agreement that expired
Though both sides have shown signs that they're willing to continue negotiations, a strike isn't completely out of the question, said
When an employer puts a proposal on the table that restructures the way it's compensating people, it makes those workers vulnerable, Bruno said.
"And they're doing this at a time when the ability to produce and sell domestic steel is quite good, and the companies are profitable," Bruno said. "It makes it really hard for the party you're negotiating with, in this case the union, really to find a way to agree."
Widespread union support to authorize a strike signals to the employer -- along with politicians in an election year and those who finance the industry -- that the union has support to shut down production, Bruno said.
"At a time when really there's a lot of money to be made," he said. "And therefore, any shutdown, there's an increased cost."
If there's no progress, an employer like
But doing that in the current political environment could have drawbacks.
"At a time when trade tariffs are, at least in the short term, really kind of juicing up the domestic steel industry, that's got to be really risky, rather perilous for employers," Bruno said.
After three years of wage freezes,
The company's updated contract offer calls for a six-year extension with a 4 percent raise in the first year; a 3 percent raise in the second; and a 1 percent raise in years four through six, with the option to earn an additional 5 percent bonus, the company said. Workers can choose from a no-premium health plan with up to
Union officials estimate the monthly health insurance premiums would cost
The union prefers a three-year extension and criticizes
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