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About 100 USW leaders, representing thousands of workers from U.S. Steel facilities around the United States, kicked off contract talks during a series of meetings in Pittsburgh on June 16 and 17.
The members first met privately to map out the union’s plan for bargaining a new master agreement, then gathered for a presentation from U.S. Steel representatives outlining the state of the industry and the company. While USW and U.S. Steel leaders agreed that industry conditions – particularly the effects of unfair trade - will make this round of bargaining difficult, both sides also expressed an interest in working together to combat those issues and reach a fair agreement.
We Won’t Turn Our Backs
While we recognize that the current climate is difficult, we refuse to allow the company to use that as an excuse to attack the union. We are committed to having an honest and open dialogue and working together toward creative solutions. We have faced bad times in the past and made it through them together. We will do the same this time, without turning our backs on the workers and retirees who have helped to build this union and this company.
USW leaders are now on their way back to their home locals to begin bargaining over issues specific
to each site, including problems involving labor relations both with retirees and active workers, scheduling, contracting out, and training, among others.
Our Solidarity is Our Strength
On July 6, the committee will return to Pittsburgh to begin bargaining a new master agreement to replace our current three-year contract that expires on Sept. 1. These talks will include issues of wages, benefits, safety, health care and pensions.
Thanks to years of hard work by our union brothers and sisters, U.S. Steel jobs are among the best in the industry. They are jobs that support families and make for thriving communities. With the strength, solidarity and wisdom of our members behind us, we are determined to make sure this doesn’t change. By standing together, working hard and staying strong, we know we can succeed.
In Solidarity,
Your 2015 U.S. Steel Bargaining Committee