Union rally protests Allegheny Technologies' contract offer

Source: Post-Gazette

By Len Boselovic

Several hundred members of the United Steelworkers union and other unions marched on Allegheny Technologies headquarters today, demanding a fair contract for about 2,450 of the specialty metal producer’s workers who have been working under the terms of a contract that expired June 30.

Sporting T-shirts with slogans like “Where’s The Fairness” and “The concession stand is closed,” speakers at the rally accused Allegheny Technologies of not bargaining in good faith and selfishly looking out for management’s interests. Referring to monthly health care premiums that have reduced his pension 39 percent, retired USW worker Chuck Meredith criticized what he said was a 70 percent pay increase in recent years for chairman, CEO and president Rich Harshman.

“All he’s worried about is his buddies and him lining their pockets,” said Mr. Meredith, former president of USW Local 1196, which represents workers at the company’s $1.2 billion Brackenridge plant. “I wonder how much Richard’s pension has been reduced.”

Hours before the rally, Allegheny Technologies chided the union for not submitting its latest contract proposal to a vote by members. Bob Wetherbee, executive vice president, said the company needs a competitive contract to offset a stainless steel price slide caused by cheap imports.

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Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2015/07/30/Allegheny-Technologies/stories/201507300172