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We have evolved from a landmark (Bethlehem Steel) to short-lived ISG – to the largest multinational steel company on this planet – ArcelorMittal.
You have heard me say “Our Labor Contract is a sacred document.” It is what allows you and me to be here today, making preparation to improve and enhance our family’s lives in a civil way. I want to remind each of you of the obligation we have to one another. Our opportunity today is for tomorrow. Steel has become a very valuable commodity – even during a time the U.S. dollar has sunk to a historical low. It’s our time to restore the economic gains we lost and help those who built this Union before us.
We must find a value on each article of our present Labor Agreement. We must prioritize each. Only then are we able to fulfill our objective and ask you, the member, to ratify. You and I have what many today in our nation only dream about. Yet, we did not increase our standard of living without sacrifice. THIS IS OUR TIME. Please do not view any future updates from your Union narrowly. Do not allow yourself to be entertained by false rumors or trickery and deceit. Unfortunately our Union has always had those who choose to do the dirty work for management. We must use those narrow minds to our advantage…and we will. We have received a number of very good issues from each respective zone at Burns Harbor.
While we had hoped to reach an agreement by Sunday, July 20, this goal was not reached. Over the weekend we submitted the last parts of a comprehensive proposal to the company. We now have all contract language, pension and healthcare proposals, and issues related to capital investment in the company’s hands. Only the actual numbers for wages and pensions remain to be proposed – and those will of course be the result of final bargaining.
Due to the lack of hotel space this week we are taking a break from negotiations. Much progress on local issues (issues limited to a single plant) has been made, but most of our contract language issues remain unsolved.
And, as is our usual practice, we will not begin serious discussions of economics (wages, pensions and healthcare benefits for both active and retired Steelworkers) until we have the basic contract language issues settled. While the economics are certainly important, our rights in areas such as safety and health, seniority, contracting out, and many other sections of our contract must be maintained.
We will return to Pittsburgh this Thursday committed to continue to work hard for a fair and equitable settlement.
We will continue to keep you informed.
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