Steel Mills

USW: Some Progress in Talks with ArcelorMittal and U.S. Steel

October 4, 2018

United Steelworkers say there is progress in labor negotiations with ArcelorMittal and U.S. Steel, but significant differences remain between the union and management.

Said the USW-ArcelorMittal committee in its negotiation update on Oct. 4: “Again, our committee still has a lot of work to do on the issues that remain before we can present a tentative agreement for the membership to consider, but we urge everyone to remain patient while our bargaining continues.

“Under no circumstances should anyone interpret this to mean that our fight is finished, that we have succeeded in our goals or that we are willing to continue this process indefinitely.

“There should be no doubt now that management has heard the messages delivered by our membership loudly and clearly as we have stood together and spoken with one united voice throughout this long process.”

The bargaining committee for workers at U.S. Steel said there was progress this past week with the company on “some of its worst proposals“ and they are heading back to Pittsburgh next week to consider counterproposals.

“While we still have a lot of work to do and still have a number of differences to work out with management,” said the USW-USS committee to members, “it’s clear that the strength and solidarity you have demonstrated over the past several months at all of our locations seems to have finally gotten through to the company.

“U.S. Steel has demonstrated a willingness to move off of some of its worst demands, including the term of our agreement and some of the most onerous benefits proposals.”

All USW members were asked to remain in contact with their local Communication and Action Team (CAT) in the event that negotiations stall and a labor dispute occurs.