"We have settled our differences with management at the table, so, together, now we can focus on addressing the industry's real problems, such as global overcapacity and the unfair and often illegal foreign trade practices that depress prices, close plants and cost jobs," said USW International President Leo W. Gerard in a statement.  

"The USW negotiating committee, activists and members at each of the facilities deserve our thanks and credit for staying united throughout the long, difficult process."

The new agreement, which expires 1 September 2018, covers nearly 14,000 hourly production, maintenance, office and technical workers at 15 of ArcelorMittal's U.S. facilities.

The union said the rank-and-file voted overwhelmingly in favor of the contract, but it did not provide a tally. However, The Times newspaper in northwest Indiana reported that 5,059 workers voted in favor of ratification and 1,878 were opposed.

The contract freezes wages, but provides for bonuses if average hot rolled band prices exceed US$600 per ton per quarter, the newspaper reported.

Additionally, employees will see their health insurance costs increase. And for new workers, the company will no longer provide health insurance when they retire. Instead, it will contribute an extra 50 cents per hour worked into their 401(k) retirement plan, the company said in a statement.

The contract also includes provisions for idling the 84-inch hot strip mill and the No. 1 aluminizing line at ArcelorMittal's Indiana Harbor West facility and the No. 2 steel shop and the No. 5 continuous galvanizing line at its Indiana Harbor East facility, The Times reported earlier.

The company said new rules will allow employees to request a transfers among Indiana Harbor, Burns Harbor and Riverdale facilities.

“This ensures that no one has to lose a job as we implement a more efficient footprint,” it said in a statement.

Arcelor Mittal USA president John Brett said the company is pleased that the union has ratified the contract.

“The negotiations process in Pittsburgh was long and demanding. We appreciate the commitment of our leadership and labor relations team as well as the United Steelworkers for continuing discussions in good faith and avoiding impact on our workforce and our customers,” he said.  

“No, we did not get everything we asked for from the United Steelworkers, and they didn’t get everything they requested either. Some say that’s the sign of a successful negotiation. I say that we made many important strides toward a more sustainable future, but there is still work to be done in order to become the most cost effective and productive workforce possible, and to match the cost structure of our closest competitors.”