Union Leaders Confront Cliffs Executives at Annual Shareholder Meeting in Cleveland

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On Wednesday April 27, Tony Lakenen, president of Local 4974 at the Tilden Mine, and retiree Brad Nelson attended the Cliffs annual shareholders meeting in Cleveland to speak directly to the company’s executives and board of directors – and they made sure their voices were heard loud and clear!

Both Tony and Brad delivered remarks to the company’s leadership about how the long negotiations and unfair increases to retiree premiums are harming workers, retirees, their families and communities. Both made a strong appeal to bargain a fair contract and immediately return retiree healthcare premiums to their previous, more affordable levels.

Cliffs CEO Lourenco Goncalves responded directly to their appeals stating that he values his relationship with the union and wants to get a deal done. He said he “understands” the plight of retired workers. However, he did not commit to fixing the unjust and in many cases life-changing premium increases affecting them right now.

The union’s presence in the room was very strong. In fact, discussion of the union’s issues took up the majority of the question-and-answer period. Afterwards, several board members approached Tony and Brad and thanked them for their comments. 

The meeting was a unique opportunity for union leaders to confront the company’s entire leadership team face-to-face and deliver a strong message that it’s time to negotiate a fair contract that honors the hard work and dedication of both active workers and retirees.