Metal Workers in West Virginia and Ohio Strike, Refusing Company Concessions

Four hundred and fifty workers at Special Metals Corporation, a nickel alloy plant in Huntington, West Virginia have been on strike since October 1. The members of USW Local 40 rejected a company demand for wage cuts, an increase in private health insurance premiums and other concessions on working conditions. The workers produce high-temperature-resistant "superalloys" used in military and civilian aircraft, missiles, deep sea drilling rigs and space-related equipment. Special Metals operates as a subsidiary of Oregon-based Precision Castparts within the global investment cartel controlled by oligarch Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway.

ArcelorMittal Tubular Products Workers Achieve Improvements

Five hundred steelworkers who had been on strike since November 1 at ArcelorMittal Tubular Products plant in Shelby, Ohio approved a new contract on November 11. The members of USW Local 3057 launched their strike to defend their rights and claim on the value they produce. Of particular concern were issues related to health care, pensions and the length of the working day and week. Brian Sealy, USW District 1 representative, told the Mansfield News Journal, "It is a four-year agreement (that) guaranteed time off, reduction in health care premiums, good increases in wages each year and increases to pension each year."

This article was published in

November 15, 2021 - No. 107

Article Link:
https://cpcml.ca/WF2021/Articles/WO081074.HTM

    

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