July 13, 2012: U.S. Steel Team Forms Committees, Moves Forward
The USW’s U.S. Steel bargaining team gathered in Pittsburgh during the week of July
9 to continue working toward a new master agreement to replace the current four-year
contract that expires on Sept. 1.
Our bargaining team of local presidents and other local union officials and
coordinators, representing about 15,000 members across the country, divided into
various subcommittees and began tackling specific contract issues.
Local leaders also spent the week meeting with company representatives to attempt to
resolve some remaining local issues, including disputes on overtime, bidding
agreements, staffing and safety, before we all move on to the major overall issues
such as health care, pensions and wages.
Our meetings will continue next week, when we will hear a presentation from U.S.
Steel on the issue of retiree health care and other benefits.
No matter what happens between now and Sept. 1, we will remain focused on
achieving a fair agreement for all of our members. We will continue to fight for
quality, affordable health care for our active members and our retirees who have spent
a lifetime working hard to support themselves and their families.
We know we have a tough road ahead. In the four years since our last contract, we
have slowly been digging our way out of an economic ditch. As our contract
expiration gets closer, it will be more important than ever for us to stand together to
achieve an agreement that is fair for everyone.
Despite our challenges, our USW team is strong and our members are united. By
standing in solidarity and supporting each other through this process, we know we can
reach a new agreement that ensures a prosperous future, not only for U.S. Steel, but
for our members, our families, and the next generation of Steelworkers.
In Solidarity, Your USW/USS Negotiating Committee