Negotiations among the United Steelworkers (USW), Century Aluminum and its retirees have led to an agreement in principle that may restore health care benefits to retirees and lead to the reopening of the company’s smelter in Ravenswood, W.Va.

“This victory is a tribute to the solidarity of Century’s retirees and the diligence of the union and political leaders who stood by retirees as they fought to win back coverage earned over a lifetime of hard work,’’ said USW International President Leo W. Gerard.

“We specifically thank West Virginia senators Jay Rockefeller and Joe Manchin and Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin for their instrumental efforts in bringing the parties to agreement. We’re pleased at the possibility of good jobs returning to Jackson County ... more