Company Announcements
August 7, 2026
USW bargaining committee prepares for capex talks with Cliffs
Written by Kristen DiLandro
Cleveland-Cliffs and the United Steelworkers (USW) union plan to discuss capital expenditures (capex) as part of their ongoing master contract negotiations.
The USW on Friday informed members its bargaining committee has begun identifying capex and repair and maintenance needs at each of Cliffs’ facilities as part of ongoing contract talks with the Cleveland-based steelmaker. The union expects capex and repair/maintenance conversations to proceed as they have in past negotiations.
“Cliffs presents projects it believes should be funded, and our bargaining committee brings forward the investments and improvements we believe are needed. Over the coming weeks, both sides will continue reviewing plant needs and discussing priorities,” the USW said.
Additionally, the union informed members that local issue bargaining continued this week. The local bargaining committees continued work on contract language, benefits, contracting out, health and safety, training, and the board of arbitration.
You can find the full text of the union’s latest update here.
Cleveland-Cliffs declined to comment on the bargaining process. “We are engaged in good-faith negotiations with the USW and are committed to working toward a fair and equitable agreement,” a company spokesperson said. “Out of respect for the collective bargaining process, we will not comment on the details of ongoing discussions.”
Master contract negotiations between the USW and Cleveland-Cliffs as well as between the union and U.S. Steel began on July 20. Labor contracts with both steelmakers expire on Sept. 1.
