USW extends U.S. Steel and Cleveland-Cliffs contracts as negotiations continue

The United Steelworkers (USW) has agreed to 30-day extensions of its existing labour contracts with U.S. Steel and Cleveland-Cliffs, allowing production to continue while negotiations over new collective bargaining agreements remain underway.

The current agreements, which cover tens of thousands of union-represented steelworkers at the two companies, were due to expire on September 1. Employees will continue working under the existing terms and conditions during the extension period.

Wages, jobs and investment on negotiating table

Negotiations between the USW and the two steelmakers cover wages and benefits as well as job security, workplace health and safety and future capital investment.

“The USW remains committed to reaching strong agreements that recognize the contributions of union members and protect the future of good, family-supporting steel jobs,” said USW International President Roxanne Brown.

She added that union members would remain at work and continue production while negotiations proceed.

The contract talks are significant for the US steel industry, with U.S. Steel and Cleveland-Cliffs together operating some of the country’s largest integrated and downstream steelmaking facilities. The USW said negotiations with both companies will continue over the coming days.

The union represents around 850,000 workers across industries including metals, mining, automotive supply, chemicals and energy.

Source: USW, Photo: Fotolia