STRIKE DEADLINE NEARS Union Holds Closed Meeting Again As Constellium Strike Threat Looms
Reported by: Bob Aaron
Videographer: Bob Aaron
Web Producer: Bob Aaron
Also Contributing: AP
Reported: Aug. 3, 2012 4:37 PM EDT
Updated: Aug. 3, 2012 4:46 PM EDT
EYEWITNESS ONLINE WEBCAST VIDEO C L I C K T O P L A Y
Ravenswood
, Jackson County
, West Virginia
Constellium Rolled Products is enhancing a proposal to union workers at its Ravenswood plant after contract negotiations broke down.
The Charleston Gazette reports the improved company offer is aimed at keeping steelworkers from going on strike.
Constellium has said its earlier offer included wage increases, one-time wage adjustments and other economic enhancements.
The company says the upgraded compensation package, which has an immediate, $7,000 ratification bonus, now totals an average of more than $30,000 per worker over the life of the five-year contract.
A United Steelworkers local officials said a walkout appear likely, but he had been called to another union problem in Huntington.
Several closed door "informational " meetings are being held for workers at the union hall today, but it's unclear if they were for strike planning or to consider another offer. Local 5668 leaders declined to comment.
Contract negotiations between the company and the union broke down Wednesday in Charleston and the union issued a 72-hour notice to terminate a temporary contract extension. The union represents nearly 700 workers.
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Bob Aaron
