Two months after Sherwin Alumina locked its doors on 450 USW Local 235A members, the company and the USW bargaining team will return to the bargaining table next week, December 9 and 10.
While this is good news, please remember that this does not mean that Sherwin will be withdrawing its demands for major concessions and benefit cuts for members and retirees.
Our USW bargaining team will enter these negotiations with an open mind, still committed, as we have been throughout this process, to achieving a contract that is fair for both sides.
We will not accept a contract that lines the pockets of ownership at the expense of hard-working members of Local 235A and retirees who have worked hard their whole lives.
Remember – this is a profitable company, and the market for alumina is good. There is no reason – other than greed – for Sherwin’s draconian demands.
We look forward to hearing what the company has to say, and we will keep you informed of our progress and continue to do what is in the best interests of Local 235A members.