Tentative Contract for ArcelorMittal Steelworkers
Posted at: 09/08/2012 10:31 AM
| Updated at: 09/09/2012 10:51 PM
By: Renee Passal
rpassal@wdio.com
The United Steelworkers and ArcelorMittal reached a 3-year tentative labor agreement on Saturday.
After months of negotiating, which at times was frustrating, the deal was approved by both the world's largest steelmaker and the union bargaining team. Now it will be brought back to the union membership for a vote.
According to the bargaining team, there are wage increases and improvements to health care, as well as capital improvements for the plants.
Also, the unions are maintaining seniority rights, as well as setting up a framework to protect future and current retirees in terms of health care.
The USW bargaining team presented a proposal they agreed on to the company on Wednesday. The company reviewed it, and brought it back to the table on Thursday morning.
There was more meetings then through Saturday.
On Wednesday, there were solidarity rallies and practice pickets at the company's 15 facilities in the U.S. Minorca Mine workers participated in 2 hour practice picket.
The labor contract expired last Saturday, but the unions agreed not to strike during the on-going negotiations.
President and CEO of ArcelorMittal USA, Michael Rippey, said in a statement: "We are pleased to have a new, tentative agreement with the USW, and to have reached a fair and equitable outcome without disruption to our business operations. We extend our appreciation to our employees, customers, and the community for their patience and support during the negotiation process."
 |
Print Story | | |  |
