Market Segment
August 31, 2026
USW, USS, and Cliffs extend labor talks for 30 days, avert work stoppage
Written by Michael Cowden
The United Steelworkers (USW) union, U.S. Steel, and Cleveland-Cliffs on Monday agreed to extend the terms of their current labor contracts by 30 days.
The current basic labor agreements between the USW and the two steelmakers had been scheduled to expire at 12:01 a.m. ET on Sept. 1.
The extension allows the USW and the companies to continue negotiations. It also averts the immediate threat of a strike or lockout in a steel market already characterized by historically tight supplies.
“The USW remains committed to reaching strong agreements that recognize the contributions of union members and protect the future of good, family-supporting steel jobs,” USW International President Roxanne Brown said in a statement. “While negotiations continue, workers will remain on the job, producing high-quality products under the terms and conditions of the current agreements.”
U.S. Steel and Cliffs sounded similar notes.
“We continue to engage in good faith negotiations and are working through the important issues at the table,” the Pittsburgh-based steelmaker said in a statement. “Our goal is to reach a mutually beneficial agreement that provides competitive compensation, benefits, and job stability for our employees.”
“Cliffs respects the USW and the ongoing negotiating process and, therefore, will not comment on any details related to the matter,” Cleveland-based Cliffs said.
The USW had said on Friday that it remains at odds with both U.S. Steel and Cliffs over key issues such as wages, healthcare, and capital investments in the companies’ plants.
