BARGAINING IN 2010:
LOCAL 6571, WHITBY, ON: Negotiations began January 26th. The contract expired February 27. A conciliator has been appointed but there has not been an application for conciliation by the Company or the Union. The Company threatened to call the conciliator in but when the Union called their bluff, they backed off. Talks are difficult but continue.
LOCAL 8586, BEAUMONT, TX: The contract expired March 31st. Major issues include health benefits for retirees, wage improvement & red circle rates. The Company demanded a vote but the Union refused and talks continue.
LOCAL 7263, ST. PAUL, MN: The contract expires July 31st. The Company wants to open bargaining on July 12.
LOCAL 8581, WILTON, IA: The contract expires on September 30th. No talks are scheduled yet.
NEWS FROM OTHER LOCALS:
LOCAL 5442, SELKIRK, MA: Running full production. Everyone recalled, lots of overtime and hiring 15 hourly positions. 106 grievances filed in 2009. 35 named to arbitration. Union backed out of PIP (Bonus) because of safety component. The company has finally come back to the table with a formula based on tons in the melt shop and utilization in the rolling mill.
LOCAL 9777-29, JOLIET, IL: Working 2 Crews six days a week, 8 hour shifts. Company wants twelve’s. The Company is trying to divide the membership by implementing a discriminatory wage increase for only some departments. 95 grievances filed, 6 or 7 named to arbitration.
LOCAL 9447-5, CALVERT CITY, KY: Working two twelve hour shifts alternating 48 hours on days and 36 on nights. No recalls, 54 still on lay off. Three members terminated for alleged lock out violations.
LOCAL 2741, SAND SPRINGS, OK: Still idled. Three hourly workers maintaining equipment. The Company told the Union they needed $107M for a new melt shop. The Union convinced the state of Oklahoma to grant the money. The Company then declined the offer.
LOCAL 9473, PERTH AMBOY, NJ: Still idled. The equipment was lubed and moth balled. The computers were stored in plastic. The workers have been told their plant is closed.
The other locals did not attend the Unity Council Meeting or the Company's Shareholder's Meeting.