Steelworkers Union Offers To Continue Bargaining Past Contract Expiration
09/01/2015 - With their labor contract with United States Steel Corporation set to expire, the United Steelworkers union has offered to continue working under the terms of the current deal while negotiations continue.
"We believe that this course of action is in the best interests of USW members. It allows us to continue to pursue a settlement that preserves the decades of progress we have made at the bargaining table, while positioning the company for future success," the union said in a statement.
"Although major differences remain on economic and non-economic issues, we continue to work hard and push forward toward a fair agreement," it said.
The contract with U. S. Steel is set to expire at 11:59 p.m. today, 1 September 2015. The contract covers about 16,500 union members throughout the United States.
In a letter to U. S. Steel, the union said that if the company accepts its offer, the union promises to give a 48-hour strike notice, should one be called.
In a statement, U. S. Steel suggested that it would take the union up on the offer.
"U. S. Steel remains committed to operating our facilities and servicing our customers without disruption as labor contract negotiations continue. We appreciate the United Steelworkers’ commitment to extend the contract negotiations to give 'the parties the fullest possible opportunity to resolve their differences and thereby avoid a work stoppage,' as stated in their letter," the company said.
Meanwhile, the union said it will continue bargaining with ArcelorMittal through the expiration of its contract with the steelmaker. That deal also expires at 11:59 p.m. 1 September.
The Steelworkers collectively represent roughly 30,000 workers at the companies. The union is holding solidarity rallies today at U. S. Steel headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pa., USA, and at ArcelorMittal's headquarters in Burns Harbor, Ind., USA, as well as at its North American headquarters in Chicago, Ill., USA.
"Although major differences remain on economic and non-economic issues, we continue to work hard and push forward toward a fair agreement," it said.
The contract with U. S. Steel is set to expire at 11:59 p.m. today, 1 September 2015. The contract covers about 16,500 union members throughout the United States.
In a letter to U. S. Steel, the union said that if the company accepts its offer, the union promises to give a 48-hour strike notice, should one be called.
In a statement, U. S. Steel suggested that it would take the union up on the offer.
"U. S. Steel remains committed to operating our facilities and servicing our customers without disruption as labor contract negotiations continue. We appreciate the United Steelworkers’ commitment to extend the contract negotiations to give 'the parties the fullest possible opportunity to resolve their differences and thereby avoid a work stoppage,' as stated in their letter," the company said.
Meanwhile, the union said it will continue bargaining with ArcelorMittal through the expiration of its contract with the steelmaker. That deal also expires at 11:59 p.m. 1 September.
The Steelworkers collectively represent roughly 30,000 workers at the companies. The union is holding solidarity rallies today at U. S. Steel headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pa., USA, and at ArcelorMittal's headquarters in Burns Harbor, Ind., USA, as well as at its North American headquarters in Chicago, Ill., USA.
