Heading to the Bargaining Table with Cliffs

Heading to the Bargaining Table with Cliffs

Click here to download a PDF of this flyer to distribute at your facility.

Bargaining with Cliffs Natural Resources is set to start the week of September 9th and your 2015 Cliffs Natural Resources Bargaining Committee is preparing to head to the bargaining table.  The USW has sent the company an information request asking for key information that we need to engage in meaningful bargaining with the company.  Cliffs has provided us with some information and we are still waiting on some additional documents. 

Your bargaining committee met in person in Ishpeming, MI on August 18th to begin crafting our bargaining agenda and develop company-wide proposals to take to bargaining in September. 

The committee will travel to Pittsburgh for bargaining on September 8th and hold union-only meetings on September 9th.  Formal talks with the company should then begin on September 10th or 11th

With a lockout ongoing at ATI and tough bargaining continuing at US Steel and ArcelorMittal, the stakes couldn’t be higher as we prepare to head to the bargaining table. Across our industry, we’re seeing our employers attempting to use the temporary downturn in our markets as a justification for implementing deep and permanent cuts in our contracts. 

Now, more than ever, we need to show Cliffs management that we’re strong and united in support of our bargaining committee.  On August 20, thousands of Steelworkers from across the iron range mobilized in Virginia, MN for a historic show of solidarity, sending a strong message to let Cliffs and the other employers know that we’re united.  As bargaining gets underway, continue to watch for opportunities to show your support and solidarity for our union as we work to bargain a fair contract that maintains good, stable, family-sustaining jobs in the mining industry. 

Throughout the process we’ll continue to provide regular updates from the bargaining table in Pittsburgh via handbill and text message. To sign up to receive text messages from your bargaining committee text the word Cliffs to 47486 (message and data rates may apply, you can stop receiving messages any time by replying ‘stop’). 

Stay strong, stay safe, stay united and together we can win a fair contract!


 

Press Inquiries

Media Contacts

Communications Director:
Jess Kamm at 412-562-2446

USW@WORK (USW magazine)
Editor R.J. Hufnagel

For industry specific inquiries,
Call USW Communications at 412-562-2442

Mailing Address

United Steelworkers
Communications Department
60 Blvd. of the Allies
Pittsburgh, PA 15222