Steel Workers’ Contract Expires, Negotiations Continue

The United Steelworkers union did not reach a labor deal with U.S. Steel and ArcelorMittal by the Sept. 1 expiration of its previous contract, but work continues at the companies.

The union says it plans to continue negotiating rather than seek strike authorization and asked members to continue reporting for work.

U.S. Steel also said it is committed to operating “without disruption” as contract negotiations continue.

Union officials have accused the two companies of seeking too many concessions.

Health care costs are central in the contract negotiations. Workers today do not pay premiums; the companies are proposing that changes.

Talks also focus on compensation and a 40-hour work week, reports say. This is the first contract in a generation negotiated in a down market. S