Steel Mills

USW Optimistic on Cleveland-Cliffs Labor Deal by Sept. 1

Written by Laura Miller


Negotiations between the United Steelworkers (USW) and Cleveland-Cliffs continued this week in Pittsburgh, with the union signaling optimism that a new labor agreement will be reached before the current contract expires next week.

Important progress has been made in bargaining over local issues, healthcare benefits, and capital expenditures, the USW said in an Aug. 26 bargaining update.

“We remain engaged with Cliffs at the table over major economics,” the update reads. “The company needs to limit its exposure to certain future costs associated with retiree benefits but recognizes that Steelworkers deserve to retire with dignity.”

“We are absolutely committed to finding common ground and bargaining through the remaining issues with Cliffs,” the USW said. “We are committed and optimistic that we will reach an agreement before Sept. 1.”

Cleveland-Cliffs’ chairman, president, and CEO Lourenco Goncalves, speaking at the 2022 SMU Steel Summit conference in Atlanta on Aug. 22, also expressed optimism that a timely deal will be reached.

By Laura Miller, Laura@SteelMarketUpdate.com

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