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We received a proposal from ATI on Wednesday, March 4, that reflected progress on some of the most challenging issues our committee has had to face.
Major Economics: Although management has improved their wage proposal, it still falls short of the hourly raises Steelworkers throughout the industry are receiving, and it offers no signing bonus and no pension or 401k increases.
Healthcare: Although we have not yet resolved all of our differences with the company, management has shown interest in an innovative plan we have proposed to insulate ATI from major increases in the cost of our current health insurance without premiums or any higher out-of-pocket expenses, which represents real progress on an important issue, but the details of their counter need to be evaluated.
Additionally, ATI:
- continues to propose unnecessary changes to their attendance policy,
- remains insistent on restricting transfers, which impedes seniority
- they seek to expand contracting out production work,
- will not address incentive issues, and
- ignores our O&T issues.
This afternoon, we presented management with a fair and comprehensive counterproposal that addresses all of these concerns and remains consistent with the goals and priorities we established before these negotiations began. At the end of the meeting management informed us that they had commitments over the weekend and were not able to meet or respond to us until Monday afternoon. We will keep you informed when we have news to report.
In the meantime, we recognize management has imposed a backward thinking policy of “shadowing” our members which causes frustration, distraction and could increase safety concerns. Make sure you stay focused on performing your work efficently and safely.
Don’t allow “shadowing” to create a hostile work environment or intimidate you or your co-workers. If non-bargaining unit employees make statements about the contract negotiations or threaten you in any manner, please notify your local union or CAT member immediately.
SOLIDARITY IS OUR STRENGTH