Bargaining with US Steel to Resume Next Week
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Our U.S. Steel Local Union presidents will be returning to the bargaining table to resume discussions with the company next week in Pittsburgh.
U.S. Steel has presented our committee with a comprehensive contract proposal. We intend to review this proposal together in good faith and then consider what our next steps should be.
Concessionary Demands
As you know, our discussions with U.S. Steel over the past six months have involved continued demands for deep concessions from both active and retired workers and their families. We know that our industry is in the midst of a serious crisis brought on by unfair trade and global overcapacity, but we do not believe that workers and their families should be forced to bear the brunt of these problems.
That is why we have appreciated the strength and solidarity of our entire membership as we have stood up against the company’s most onerous demands, and we urge you to remain strong and continue standing behind us. We look forward to reviewing the company’s proposal, and we are hopeful that it will represent a departure from that approach and will move us closer to an agreement that is fair to both sides.
We will keep everyone informed about any developments as these discussions continue.
Help During Hard Times
This holiday season, we know that many of our sisters and brothers and their families are suffering from layoffs, threats of layoffs and idled plants, and that there is no worse time of year for things like this to happen. We will continue to do everything in our power to address these problems through every avenue we have available to us. We urge any members who are experiencing difficulty to reach out to your local leadership for help in finding assistance. Also remember that through the AFL-CIO’s Union Plus program, USW members and their families are eligible for hardship assistance. Visit unionplus.org for more information about that program.
Stay in Touch, Keep Working Safely
We urge everyone to continue to work safely, stay strong and stay in touch with your CAT coordinators and local officers. Stay tuned for more updates as bargaining continues!
In Solidarity,
Your 2015 U.S. Steel Bargaining Committee
