Steel Mills
Update: Labor Contract Negotiations
Written by Sandy Williams
October 29, 2015
The USW is taking a brief break from talks with US Steel. In an Oct. 27 update, the USW said US Steel continues to demand “major changes to health care benefits that would amount to thousands of dollars per year in added costs” for active works and retirees. The parties also wrangling over contract provisions on overtime, contracting out, transfers, SUB pay, severance and other issues. US Steel is also demanding control over the union’s health and safety representatives.
Negotiations have resumed with ArcelorMittal. The company has initiated open enrollment for 2016 insurance benefits and has shortened the time period for employees to make benefit changes. The USW is annoyed that union input was not sought by ArcelorMittal but has urged workers to make changes to their coverage options or enroll in the Flexible Spending Account if they wish to do so.
“We urge anyone who requests changes to make a copy of the election form, since we cannot trust management,” wrote the USW in an update to members.
The USW members continue to negotiate with Cliffs Natural Resources after agreeing to a one-month extension of their agreement.
No news on ATI. The lockout of 2200 employees has been ongoing for more than two months. ATI says production is at nearly normal levels while using temporary and salaried workers.
Automotive negotiations resulted in a tentative agreement between the UAW and General Motors. Voting by the membership on the proposed agreement will begin on Friday.
Sandy Williams
Read more from Sandy WilliamsLatest in Steel Mills
Primetals to replace two EAFs at US mill
Primetals Technologies will be replacing two electric-arc furnaces at a steel mill in the US with one more energy-efficient furnace.
Nippon’s Mori meets with Pa. Gov. Shapiro: Report
Nori, a top Nippon Steel official, met on Tuesday with Pennsylvania's governor, to discuss its proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel.
Nippon won’t import slabs to US if U.S. Steel deal goes through
Nippon Steel has affirmed that if its $14.9-billion bid for U.S. Steel proves successful, the Japanese steelmaker will not import overseas-produced slabs to the US.
AISI: Raw steel production falls to 5-week low
Domestic raw steel mill production slipped to a five-week low last week, according to the latest figures released by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). Weekly production is now at the third-lowest level recorded this year.
Nucor maintains HR price at $750/ton
Nucor’s weekly consumer spot price (CSP) for hot-rolled (HR) coil was unchanged week on week (w/w) at $750 per short ton (st) on Monday, Nov. 18.