McIntosh, Ala. - United Steelworkers (USW) Local 9-562 members overwhelmingly ratified a four-year, nine-month contract with BASF Corporation on July 31 that included improvements in wages, benefits and contract language for the company’s 179 USW-represented employees.
   
This is the first contract negotiated with BASF since the company purchased Ciba Specialty Chemicals in 2009. The site has been organized since 1956.

“Having a union allows workers to have a voice in their workplace,” said Local 9-562 President Bobby Carpenter. “We negotiated a contract that is beneficial for the workers, their families, the company and the community. Our wages and the money generated from our health care and pension benefits go back into our communities to help local businesses.”

Workers will receive a 2.5 percent wage increase each year in addition to a $1 per hour increase the first year. The health care benefit plan with Blue Cross/Blue Shield will stay the same ... more