April 24, 2021: USW/ATI Bargaining Bulletin #18

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Desperate ATI Cannot Divide the USW Membership or Fill Orders

Based on an increase in both the frequency and magnitude of the lies the company is sharing on its website, ATI is obviously feeling the pressure of being unable to fulfill existing customer orders.

During a time when the market for steel is growing, ATI is on the sidelines due to relentless mismanagement, including the serious unfair labor practices that instigated our strike. The demand for the products we make is high, and so are the prices.

Because ATI cannot deliver orders and must pass on new business due to the ongoing labor dispute, we are getting calls and inquiries from customers asking for options.

Instead of bargaining, ATI has taken to its website to promote an offer our local union presidents unanimously voted against bringing back for a membership vote. Instead of negotiating, the company sent a letter to our members trying to force acceptance of its latest, take-it-or-leave-it, bad faith offer.

It’s obvious that ATI management just can’t help themselves. Their latest update says that they welcome continued discussion “whenever the USW is ready,” but during the last bargaining session, THE COMPANY REPRESENTATIVES WALKED OUT ON THE USW AND THEN THREATENED TO DECREASE THE OFFER AFTER MONDAY.

That is not how good faith bargaining works!

The union did not walk out on them, and as a matter of fact, we told them twice we were available 24/7. So much for the ATI “spin,” they know we’re ready and always willing to bargain on behalf of the membership and their families. If ATI wants to know the barrier to a settlement, they need to look no further than a mirror.

Simply put, the company demands that we accept a permanent, second tier of health insurance for new hires and establishing expensive premiums for current workers.

In its current offer, the company has proposed premiums based on a percentage of the cost of coverage, a regressive move from its previous unacceptable proposal with fixed premiums.

ATI has been trying to divide and conquer the USW membership at our plants since locking us out in 2015 and probably longer. We have shown management at every step that our solidarity will not be broken.

Stay strong! Stay united! Our solidarity and determination will prevail!

In unity,

Your USW/ATI Negotiating Committee

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