Economy
USW Says No Vote on ATI Proposal
Written by Sandy Williams
July 28, 2015
The USW bargaining committee from Allegheny Technologies Inc. declined to bring the company’s latest contract proposal to a vote.
The contract presented to the union on July 24 “shows some measurable improvements on some issues but falls far short of a fair or acceptable offer on key issues including healthcare, retirement security, and scheduling.”
The proposed contract contains what the union refers to as “dramatic and unnecessary” cuts. Among the issues in contention are:
– Health care premiums of $215/month with a $1000/year deductible and $6000/per year out of pocket maximum
– New employees hired after July 1, 2015 would be covered under a health plan with a $3000 deductible and $6,850 out of pocket maximum.
– Hours of work adjustments
– Increases ATI’s right to hire outside contractors for maintenance work
ATI CEO Rich Harshman noted in the company conference call that labor costs were too high to ignore. “Our total hourly employment costs are significantly higher than those of the major U.S. located flat rolled stainless competitors, a competitive gap that we must address for this business to be successful and create sustainable value for our shareholder an customers, and opportunities for our employees.”
ATI is currently working under the terms of the old agreement that expired on June 30, 2015.
Sandy Williams
Read more from Sandy WilliamsLatest in Economy
ISM September survey captures deepening manufacturing gloom
The Institute for Supply Management’s (ISM) latest monthly report on manufacturing reflects a bleak view of American industry in September.
Key industries concerned over government shutdown’s impact on steel, manufacturing
Trade groups cautioned that a prolonged shutdown could strain US industry.
Chicago Business Barometer catches cold winds of contraction in September
The Chicago Business Barometer's September reading indicates a softening in overall business activity in the Midwest for the third consecutive month, with new orders and backlogs retreating further.
Metalforming market sentiment takes a dive in September: PMA
Metalforming manufacturers anticipate a decrease in near-term conditions, according to the Precision Metalforming Association's (PMA) Business Conditions Report for September.
AIA: Architecture firms still under pressure
Architecture firms reported a modest improvement in billings through August, yet business conditions remained soft, according to the latest Architecture Billings Index (ABI) release from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and Deltek.