AK Steel Union Rejects Labor Contract

Union members at AK Steel have turned down a new contract offer from the steelmaker. UAW Local 3303 voted overwhelmingly on Monday against ratification of a tentative contract, calling it an “insult” in light of the company’s profits.

Union workers were offered a 75 cent raise for each year of the three-year contract, which employees said would not cover the increases to health insurance premiums, deductibles and co-pays.

“We worked for years during the recession to make things work,” said union member Sam Doctor in a comment to the Butler Eagle. “Now that we’re making money, they want to come to the table and ask for more concessions.”

AK Steel said the existing contract, that expired on April 16, will be extended while negotiations continue.