March 9, 2006 — United Steelworkers (USW) at three Sheffield Steel Corp. locations have, to date, agreed to continue to work under the terms of expired agreements. Workers caution, however, that this situation may not continue for long.

Kenny Parrick, Local 2741 President at the Sand Springs, Okla., location of Sheffield Steel stated, "The members of Local 2741 agreed to open their contract in 2002 and grant the company concessionary relief while the company was in bankruptcy. Now, four years later, the company is posting record profits and refuses to recognize our most basic needs." Levester Smith, Unit President of Local 9777-09 at Joliet, Ill., added, "We helped the company get through bankruptcy and worked for five years without a pay raise; now we expect the company to be fair to us in return."

Although the Union would prefer to reach an agreement, Steelworker members have overwhelmingly voted to go on strike if necessary.

The USW represents more than 850,000 workers in the U.S. and Canada. More than 100,000 are employed in the steel industry.