PITTSBURGH, May 31, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The United
Steelworkers (USW) today said that members of local unions
representing more than 1,500 Alcoa (NYSE: AA) workers have granted
their negotiating committee the authority to implement a strike if
necessary at the company's facilities in Warrick, Ind.; Massena, N.Y.; Gum Springs, Ark.; Point Comfort, Texas; and Wenatchee, Wash.
The strike authorization votes were conducted during meetings at
each location over the course of the past two weeks. USW members
have continued to work under the terms and conditions of a contract
that was set to expire on May 15,
2019, when the USW and Alcoa agreed to a temporary
extension, subject to termination by either party with notice.
Formal negotiations between the USW and Alcoa broke off with the
company demanding major economic and non-economic concessions that
the union considers excessive and unnecessary.
USW International Vice President Tom
Conway, who chairs the union committee, said that when
bargaining resumes, management should come prepared with proposals
that reflect an understanding of workers' contributions to the
company's past, current and future success.
"USW members have dedicated years of hard work and personal
sacrifice to keep these facilities operating efficiently and
profitably," Conway said. "Corporate executives and shareholders
are reaping the benefits while Alcoa continues to demand
concessions too broad and too deep for our members and their
families to absorb."
"Although we hope to resolve the outstanding issues without a
work stoppage, our members have delivered a strong message through
their overwhelming support for strike authorization," he said. "We
are prepared to fight for the fair contracts we have earned and
deserve."
The USW represents 850,000 men and women employed in metals,
mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and
the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of
workers in public sector and service occupations. For more
information, visit http://www.usw.org.
More information, contact: Tony Montana – 412-562-2592;
tmontana@usw.org
View original content to download
multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/usw-members-authorize-strike-against-alcoa-300859999.html
SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW)