Steelworkers union sues Allegheny Ludlum over plans to drop workers' health insurance

Aug. 31--The United Steelworkers union is suing Allegheny Ludlum over the specialty metals producer's plans to cancel health insurance for 95 office and technical workers who are among the 2,200 union workers locked out Aug. 15.

The lawsuit, filed in federal court Downtown, said the workers' coverage is to be terminated Tuesday. The workers are employed at plants in the Alle-Kiski Valley, Midland and New Bedford, Mass.

Union officials contend the workers should be covered by insurance until Nov. 30 under the terms of the labor agreement that expired June 30.

The company disputes the union's claim and refused to submit the matter to arbitration, the lawsuit stated.

The USW wants the court to rule that Ludlum, a unit of Allegheny Technologies, violated the labor agreement, order it to submit the dispute to arbitration, and reimburse the workers' medical expenses.

Disputes over health care benefits for current employees, benefits for future employees, the use of outside contractors and scheduling prevented the two sides from agreeing to a new contract.

The lockout affects 12 plants in six states. Ludlum is operating the plants with salaried personnel and replacement workers.

Meanwhile, USW's contract with U.S. Steel expires Tuesday. The union is planning a series of rallies Tuesday, including marches on the Pittsburgh headquarters of Allegheny Technologies and U.S. Steel.

Len Boselovic: [email protected] or 412-263-1941.

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