The following article by Joseph S. Pete was posted on the NWITimes.com website September 10, 2018:
The United Steelworkers union is accusing U.S. Steel of “playing a dangerous game of chicken with the markets, steelworkers and America,” as the possibility of the largest strike in more than three decades looms over ongoing contract talks.
U.S. Steel employees across the country voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike as the USW and U.S. Steel return to the bargaining table. The company has proposed a six-year contract it said would mean stability for families, a slight increase to 401(k) plans and a raise of 4 percent in the first year and 3 percent in each of the next two years.
The union objects to out-of-pocket health care costs that would in some cases reduce workers’ overall compensation, a switch from traditional pay raises to profit-sharing over the last three years in a six-year contract and a reduction in retiree benefits.