May 19, 2014
By Neal Tepel
Pittsburgh, Penn. – The United Steelworkers (USW) has reached a tentative agreement on a new contract with Alcoa Inc. The five-year agreement covers about 6,000 members of 11 USW local unions at Alcoa plants in Warrick and Lafayette, Ind.; Point Comfort and Rockdale, Texas; Davenport, Iowa; Badin, N.C.; Alcoa, Tenn.; Wenatchee, Wash.; Massena, N.Y.; and Gum Springs, Ark.
The agreement replaces the previous four-year contract that expired May 15.
“The solidarity and determination of our members – along with their activism and ability to mobilize – made this agreement possible,” said USW International President Leo W. Gerard.
The union’s local presidents voted unanimously to recommend that members ratify the agreement. Details of the agreement will be withheld pending ratification votes by members of each local, which will be scheduled over the next several weeks.
“This agreement includes solid gains in wages and retirement security, and preserves quality, affordable health care coverage for both active and retired USW members,” said USW International Vice President Tom Conway, who led the negotiations for the union.
The USW is the largest industrial union in North America, representing workers in a range of industries including metals, mining, rubber, paper and forestry, oil refining, and health care.
