Republic and Union Reach Tentative Agreement
08/17/2007 - Republic reaches tentative labor agreement with the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers Union.
Republic Engineered Products, Inc. has reached a tentative labor agreement with the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers Union.
Employees at Republic's Canton, Lorain, Massillon, Gary, and Lackawanna operations will now vote on the tentative agreement.
"We feel this tentative agreement truly serves the best interests of everyone involved," said Jaime Vigil, President and CEO. "Since negotiations began in the spring, our goal has been to come to an agreement that is fair to both sides. This agreement will help provide Republic Engineered Products with an excellent opportunity to remain a leader in the increasingly competitive SBQ marketplace."
According to the company, the parties kept the long-term best interests of both the company and its employees in mind throughout negotiations.
"Our industry is changing rapidly and we must adapt," said John A. Willoughby, Vice President of Human Resources and Corporate Relations. "Our competitors are investing heavily in their SBQ capabilities and positioning themselves to take some of our market share. Republic and the union must unite to fight the competitive battles we collectively face."
Vigil said Republic is prepared to continue moving forward with its strategic initiatives to maintain its leadership position in the SBQ industry.
"Republic employees own a proud heritage of steelmaking excellence," Vigil said. "We make more tons of SBQ than any other producer in North America. Our experience, expertise and knowledge of SBQ give us a real competitive edge. This new tentative labor contract provides a springboard from which we can continue to provide the innovations and advancements to strengthen our competitive position."
The tentative agreement is subject to document finalization and the ratification process as established by the union. Additional details of the tentative agreement will be available following ratification by union employees.
Republic Engineered Products is a leading North American supplier of special bar quality (SBQ) steel. With headquarters in Fairlawn, Ohio, the company operates steelmaking centers in Canton and Lorain, Ohio, and value-added rolling and finishing facilities in Canton, Lorain, and Massillon, Ohio; Lackawanna, N.Y.; Gary, Ind.; and Hamilton, Ont. Republic employs approximately 2,500 people.
