AK Steel Business News

April 19, 200619 yr

Expanding on yesterday's breaking news, from the 4/19/06 Middletown Journal:

AK LOCKOUT: AK presents 'global' proposal to negotiators

Union members hit 50th day of no work

MIDDLETOWN — More than 2,000 AK Steel workers haven’t seen the inside of Middletown Works in 50 days.

There are some who think AK’s lockout of its largest union may endure 50 more. Or longer.

In that time, locked-out workers have lost about $10,500 in wages, according to Alan McCoy, AK vice president, government and public relations. That number is based on seven weeks of average 2005 W-2 wages, he said.

April 20, 200619 yr

Both stories from the 4/20/06 Middletown Journal:

AK-AEIF bargainers meet for over an hour

What happened Thursday:

Negotiators for AK Steel Corp. and Armco Employees Independent Federation met for about an hour and 15 minutes Thursday, which included private caucusing time for each side’s bargaining team, a recorded message on an AK phone information line said.

Brian Daley, AEIF president, could not be reached for immediate comment.

AK’s lockout of about 2,600 AEIF members from Middletown Works is in its 52nd day.

AK LOCKOUT: Comair union shows support for AEIF pickets

Flight attendants in town to back up locked-out workers

Negotiators for AK Steel Corp. and Armco Employees Independent Federation did most of their work separately Wednesday in private caucusing.

After a brief meeting Tuesday evening, another face-to-face bargaining session has been set for 2 p.m. today, the 51st day of AK’s lockout of about 2,600 AEIF members from Middletown Works.

April 21, 200619 yr

From the 4/21/06 Middletown Journal:

AK LOCKOUT: AK-AEIF bargainers meet for over an hour

What happened Thursday:

Negotiators for AK Steel Corp. and Armco Employees Independent Federation met for about an hour and 15 minutes Thursday, which included private caucusing time for each side’s bargaining team, a recorded message on an AK phone information line said.

Brian Daley, AEIF president, could not be reached for immediate comment.

AK’s lockout of about 2,600 AEIF members from Middletown Works is in its 52nd day.

April 22, 200619 yr

From the 4/22/06 Middletown Journal:

AK LOCKOUT; Union pushes right to strike

LOCKOUT DAY 53 WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?

AEIF, AK negotiators hold brief meeting

Negotiators for AK Steel Corp. and Armco Employees Independent Federation met eight times this week for a total of about five hours.

Last week, negotiators agreed to meet each day this week, which they have, with bargainers meeting twice on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Since the lockout began after the AEIF contract expired at midnight Feb. 28, negotiators have met a total of 20 times.

AK’s lockout of about 2,600 AEIF members from Middletown Works today is in its 53rd day.

April 24, 200619 yr

AK Steel workers await report

Has job action affected company's bottom line?

BY TERRY KINNEY | THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

MIDDLETOWN - When steelworker Tony Allen put his resume on a jobseekers' Web site, he wasn't sure what kind of response he'd get.

One recruitment feeler surprised him. It was from AK Steel, the company that had locked him out of the Middletown Works nearly two months ago.

"I just chuckled," Allen said.

April 24, 200619 yr

From the 4/24/06 Middletown Journal:

AK Steel fast facts

By The Journal Staff

Negotiators for AK Steel Corp. and Armco Employees Independent Federation met each day last week, including twice last Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday for a total of nine meetings lasting a total of nearly six hours.

AK's lockout of about 2,600 AEIF members from Middletown Works today is in its 54th day.

What happened Sunday?

AK Steel and AEIF negotiators met for about 20 minutes Sunday, which was the 22nd meeting since the lockout began after the union's contract expired at midnight Feb. 28. The union presented several counterproposals to portions of the company's comprehensive proposal.

April 26, 200619 yr

Lockout costly as AK Steel records 1Q profit drop

Business First of Columbus - 2:37 PM EDT Tuesday

Hampered by the cost of a worker lockout in Middletown, AK Steel Corp. said Tuesday its first-quarter profit dropped significantly compared to last year.

AK Steel posted a profit of $6.2 million, or 6 cents a share, compared with $59.2 million, or 54 cents a share, last year. Revenue for the quarter was $1.44 billion, up from $1.42 billion last year.

The first-quarter earnings gave investors the first glimpse of how the lockout at the company's Middletown Works plant near Dayton is affecting the company's bottom line. The company locked out the 2,400 workers Feb. 28 when their labor contract expired without a new deal in place. The company said it recorded $13 million of additional costs in the quarter, mainly for training and overtime, and $14 million of fixed costs associated with the reduced level of operations at Middletown Works in March.

April 26, 200619 yr

From the 4/25/06 Middletown Journal:

Union may emerge from lockout far smaller

Defections, retirements dwindling their ranks

AK Steel’s largest union may emerge from its lockout with about 600 fewer members than when the work stoppage began, the president of that union said Monday.

“I think both sides are going to be surprised when this dispute ends as to how many workers return,” said Brian Daley, president of Armco Employees Independent Federation, whose approximately 2,600 members were locked out of Middletown Works early March 1.

His most talented members are being sought by other companies, Daley said. Others are filing to retire.

April 26, 200619 yr

AK Steel: production fine

Union disputes 85% of capacity figure

BY MIKE BOYER | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER

MIDDLETOWN - Despite lower-than-expected first-quarter earnings, AK Steel said Tuesday it is successfully operating its Middletown Works, its largest mill, with 1,500 salaried and replacement workers.

In his first extensive comments since the company locked out 2,500 hourly workers on Feb. 28 in a contract dispute, James L. Wainscott, chairman and chief executive officer, said the company was operating at 85 percent of capacity at the end of March and expects to be at 100 percent by the end of June.

"We have continued to make and finish steel to serve our customers," he said on a conference call with investment analysts. "We're using a new workforce, an undertaking that's never before been tried in the steel industry."

April 26, 200619 yr

From the 4/26/06 Middletown Journal:

AK LOCKOUT: Filing: AK can alter, end retiree benefits

AEIF takes heat for allegedly not bargaining for retiree health care

AK Steel Corp. can move unilaterally to end health care insurance benefits to retirees, James Wainscott, AK Steel Corp.’s chief executive, acknowledged Tuesday.

At the prodding of steel industry analyst Michelle Applebaum in a conference call, Wainscott — also AK’s chairman and president — said the steelmaker can move to alter or end retiree health benefits without the agreement of those retirees or the unions that represented them when they worked for AK.

From same:

AK LOCKOUT: AK lawsuit names consultant, AEIF

AK Steel Corp. has filed a defamation lawsuit against a consultant working for its largest union for allegedly making false statements about the company’s performance to shareholders.

AK filed the suit against Michael Locker, a New York-based consultant, in Butler County Common Pleas Court Tuesday — a day after the Middletown steelmaker warned him not to spread “false and damaging information” about the company. The lawsuit, which names Locker’s firm, Locker Associates Inc., and the Armco Employees Independent Federation as defendants, seeks to recover unspecified compensatory and punitive damages in excess of $25,000.

Locker was hired by the AEIF, whose approximately 2,600 members have been locked-out of AK’s Middletown Works since March 1, to call AK shareholders and steel industry analysts. Locker has worked with automotive and steel unions in the past, including the AEIF.

April 27, 200619 yr

From the 4/27/06 Middletown Journal:

Daley: AK lawsuit 'attempt to crush the AEIF

Brian Daley, president of Armco Employees Independent Federation, sees AK Steel’s lawsuit against his union and one of his consultants as a bid at draining union coffers.

AK filed a lawsuit against Michael Locker, a New York City-based union consultant, and the AEIF Tuesday in Butler County Common Pleas Court. The suit alleges that Locker is defaming the Middletown steelmaker by spreading what the company maintains is false information to steel analysts and AK shareholders.

The suit seeks damages in excess of $25,000.

From same:

For many AK retirees, benefits 'all we talk about'

When Lenny Begley retired from AK Steel’s Middletown Works three years ago after working in the mill 32 years, he was hoping simply to relax.

“That was my goal when I retired,” the 53-year-old Middletown resident said. “To enjoy it.”

But after learning that AK says it has the ability to end or modify retiree health care benefits, Begley doesn’t feel relaxed. Neither do his retired friends.

April 28, 200619 yr

From the 4/28/06 Middletown Journal:

AK negotiators have 'other priorities'

Steelmaker slowing pace of meetings with locked-out union

Although its largest union has been locked out of its largest plant for nearly two months, negotiators for AK Steel Corp. may not be readily available for talks, a company spokesman said Thursday.

Thursday’s meeting of negotiators for AK and Armco Employees Independent Federation was a short one — 35 minutes, according to the company, 37 minutes according to the union.

The next meeting is 10 a.m. Tuesday, both sides said.

May 3, 200619 yr

From the 5/2/06 Dayton Business Journal:

Union offers proposal to AK Steel

Dayton Business Journal - 1:59 PM EDT Tuesday

Armco Independent Employees Federation, the locked-out union at AK Steel Corp., gave the company a comprehensive proposal during a Tuesday morning meeting.

May 3, 200619 yr

From the 5/3/06 Middletown Journal:

AK, union talks go on

Negotiators for AK Steel Corp. and Armco Employees Independent Federation met Tuesday, their 24th meeting since the steelmaker locked the union out of Middletown Works early March 1.

Was progress reported?

Representatives of the AEIF presented the company another comprehensive labor contract proposal. A statement from AK said that while it will take some time for company bargainers to “fully analyze” the proposal, the union continues to seek a minimum workforce size, the right to strike under certain circumstances and wage increases higher than what AK has offered.

AEIF leaders have said they want a strike option in case the company disregards arbitration rulings. Company officials have said their customers need assurance that labor contracts do not permit work stoppages.

From same:

AEIF to share proposal details

By Thomas Gnau

Staff Writer

With his members locked out of Middletown Works for nine weeks, Brian Daley, president of Armco Employees Independent Federation, is preparing to share details of his latest contract proposal, comparing those details not only to AK Steel’s proposal but to industry standards, he said Wednesday.

Daley and other AEIF negotiators have met with AK representatives 24 times since AK’s lockout started March 1. Another meeting is set for Thursday morning.

It was unclear Wednesday when the packages would be distributed, but AEIF leaders want to illustrate why talks appear to have yielded little agreement so far. Tentative agreements have been reached on four issues, with 22 remaining, both sides have said.

May 4, 200619 yr

From the 5/4/06 Middletown Journal:

AK LOCKOUT: Fast facts

Fast Facts

As negotiators for AK Steel Corp. examined their largest union’s latest labor contract proposal Wednesday, the president of that union said he was preparing to give his members new details.

AK’s lockout of Armco Employees Independent Federation’s approximately 2,400 members from Middletown Works in its 65th day today.

From same:

AEIF preparing information packages

Members to see proposals by union, AK and 'standards'

By Thomas Gnau, Staff Writer

Workers locked out of AK Steel's Middletown Works for nine weeks may see today more of what's on the table in contract talks.

Brian Daley, president of Armco Employees Independent Federation, said Wednesday the union is preparing comparisons of its latest contract proposal to AK's proposal and also to what he says are industry standards.

Daley and other AEIF negotiators have met with AK representatives 24 times since AK's lockout started March 1. Another meeting is set for this morning.

May 5, 200619 yr

From the 5/5/06 Middletown Journal:

Temporary replacement worker dies in AK accident

By Ed Richter and Thomas Gnau

Staff Writers

A temporary replacement worker died Thursday night from injuries he suffered after he “was struck by a moving piece of coke plant equipment,” at AK Steel Middletown Works, the steelmaker said.

The incident occurred at about 6:30 p.m., said Alan McCoy, an AK Steel spokesman.

Middletown firefighters were called to the plant to set up a landing zone for the medical helicopter, which took the injured worker to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton. He died en route to the hospital.

From same:

Montgomery County Coroner releases name of temporary replacement worker

WORKER WAS A 54-YEAR-OLD MAN FROM NEWARK, OHIO

Lauren Pack

Staff Writer

The Montgomery County Coroner’s Office this afternoon released the name of the temporary replacement worker who died from injuries he suffered while working at AK Steel’s Middletown Works Thursday night.

The coroner’s office said Curtis Johnson, 54, of Newark, Ohio, died of “blunt force injuries” to his chest.

Johnson was working in the coke plant when he “was struck by a moving piece of coke plant equipment,” at about 6:30 p.m.

From same:

Middletown Works: A history of plant deaths

By Thomas Gnau

Staff Writer

Middletown Works has a history of work-related deaths that stretches back decades.

AK Steel Corp. announced the death of an temporary replacement worker Thursday. The worker, whose name has not been released, was struck by a moving piece of coke plant equipment, the company said.

The death comes 65 days into AK’s lockout of its largest union, Armco Employees Independent Federation. A locked-out worker said the worker killed may have been struck by a “larry car,” which transports coal to coke ovens. Such a piece of machinery can weigh several tons when loaded, the worker said.

From same:

Locked-out workers express concerns about safety

By Lindsey Hilty

Staff Writer

Although the locked-out workers picketing at the AK Steel gates did not know the circumstances surrounding the Thursday evening death of a replacement worker, many speculated it may have been partly due to a lack of experience.

“All of us did things by the book. These guys just don’t know the book,” said locked-out steel worker Jamie McNally, 30, of Franklin.

It is grueling and disorienting work at the AK Steel Corp.’s coke plant at Middletown Works, said AEIF member David Sallee, 32, of Carlisle.

May 5, 200619 yr

From the 5/5/06 Middletown Journal:

AEIF: Retiree benefits separate AK, union in negotiations

By Thomas Gnau

Staff Writer

AK Steel Corp. and its largest union remain separated on several contractual proposals — but maybe most of all on health care benefits for future retirees.

Sixty-six days into AK’s lockout of about 2,400 members of Armco Employees Independent Federation from Middletown Works, union leaders have released what they call a “contract comparison.”

From same:

AK: Union's comparisons 'faulty, misleading and incomplete'

By Ed Richter

Staff Writer

AK Steel Corp. says that a comparison of labor contracts and proposals released by the AEIF is “faulty, misleading and incomplete on a number of counts.”

In a news release issued late Thursday by Alan McCoy, AK’s vice president for government and public relations, the steelmaker said the “abbreviated, selective and limited comparison” of the agreements and proposals excluded “significant and costly proposals the union has made as a part of its contract demands.”

AK Steel locked out its more than 2,400 AEIF members 66 days ago when agreement on a new contract could not be reached.

May 15, 200619 yr

From the AP, 5/15/06:

AK Steel, union trade barbs

Middletown workers still locked out over similar issues

BY TERRY KINNEY | THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

MIDDLETOWN - A 10-week-old lockout at AK Steel's biggest mill probably helped the company get a quick agreement on a new contract at one of its smaller plants, the head of the independent union at the Middletown Works said.

"I'm glad that at least some hourly employees of AK Steel have been able to reach an agreement," said Brian Daley, president of the Armco Employees Independent Federation.

Meanwhile, he urged the company step up the pace of negotiations here.

May 16, 200619 yr

From the 5/16/06 Middletown Journal:

AK asks for 300 fewer union jobs

By Thomas Gnau and Dave Greber

Staff Writers

For the first time since negotiations began more than two months ago, AK Steel Corp. presented a proposal that would cut its Middletown union workforce by more than 300 members.

During the latest bargaining session Monday afternoon, which lasted about two hours, AK officials told representatives of Armco Employees Independent Federation that it wanted to eliminate immediately more than 300 bargaining unit jobs, according to an AEIF release.

AK locked out about 2,600 members of the AEIF when a collective bargaining agreement expired at midnight Feb. 28. The union today has about 2,400 members. It was unclear Monday as to whether the proposal to cut 300 jobs included those who are no longer part of the bargaining unit.

From same:

Supervision focus of probe into death at AK

OSHA begins its investigation into the May 4 incident.

By Thomas Gnau

Staff Writer

A federal agency probing the May 4 death of a man who had been working at AK Steel’s Middletown Works is looking at how the worker was supervised on the job.

“Generally, this would be very similar to a temporary employee situation,” said Barb Marcum, assistant director at the Cincinnati office of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Organization. “Once a temporary employee is on the site, the host employer would generally direct the day-to-day actions.”

Curtis Johnson, 54, of Newark, died after sustaining injuries at AK’s coke plant. Johnson was working for Strom Engineering of Minnetonka, Minn.

May 17, 200619 yr

From the 5/17/06 Middletown Journal:

AEIF president meets analysts

By Thomas Gnau

Staff Writer

The president of AK Steel’s largest union drew an audience of 12 steel industry analysts to talk Wednesday about AK and its 78-day lockout of some 2,400 Middletown workers.

Brian Daley, president of Armco Employees Independent Federation, said he showed analysts aerial video and photographs demonstrating a marked decrease in activity at Middletown Works since AK locked out his union March 1. He said he also discussed the lockout’s impact on AK’s operating costs, customer service, accidents and worker turnover.

“When we were working, you would see a number of trucks on the roadways going in and coming out of the various departments,” Daley said.

From same:

Strom creates fund for worker's children

By Thomas Gnau

Staff Writer

The employer of a worker who died May 4 after sustaining injuries at AK Steel’s Middletown Works is setting up an educational fund for his children, the company said Wednesday.

Curtis Johnson, 54, died after being struck by a moving piece of equipment at Middletown Works’ coke plant. He worked for Strom Engineering Corp., of Minnetonka, Minn.

U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigators are probing the death, which happened during AK’s lockout of its largest union, Armco Employees Independent Federation.

May 23, 200619 yr

From the 5/20/06 Middletown Journal:

AK CEO tells shareholders union 'out of touch with reality'

Staff Report

The same day AK Steel Corp.’s leader told shareholders its largest union “is out of touch with reality,” the company also announced it would make its required full-year pension contribution of $84 million more than five months ahead of schedule.

AK Steel’s lockout, which is in its 81st day, dominated a Friday address by AK Chairman, President and CEO James Wainscott during the annual shareholder meeting in Chicago. AK locked out the Armco Employees Independent Federation March 1 after its contract with the union expired.

“Middletown cannot be an island. Middletown Works is out of step and the AEIF is out of touch with reality,” Wainscott said in remarks released by the company.

From the 5/20/06 Enquirer:

Temps to stay at AK Steel until pact reached

Board authorizes early payment to pension

BY MIKE BOYER | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER

AK Steel's chairman told shareholders Friday that the company will continue to operate its Middletown Works with temporary workers until it can reach an industry-competitive labor agreement the Armco Employees Independent Federation.

"We value the work force at Middletown Works," James L. Wainscott, chairman and CEO, told investors at the annual meeting in Chicago. "We still want a new agreement as soon as possible. When the AEIF gets serious, when they get on the same page with us in terms of the four corners of a deal, it will be possible to reach an agreement quickly."

The company locked out the 2,400 members of the AEIF on Feb. 28 after failing to reach agreement on a new contract and began operating the mill with 1,500 salaried and temporary workers. The company says it needs to be able to operate the plant with fewer workers, fewer job classes, a defined contribution rather than a defined benefit pension plan and with health-care cost-sharing for active and retired employees.

May 23, 200619 yr

From the 5/21/06 Middletown Journal:

AK LOCKOUT: 'It's day by day' for AK families

By Thomas Gnau

Staff Writer

When a locked gate separates families from their main source of income, life becomes a hard-fought adventure.

Jennifer and Michael Boles know.

So do Pat and Tracy LaRocque.

From the 5/21/06 Enquirer:

PHOTO: Eli Fillios, the manager of the Skyline Chili on Ohio 122, makes lunch on a slow day in Middletown. The Enquirer/Tony Jones

Lockout saps city's spirit

As talks drag out, Middletown economy dwindling

BY JANICE MORSE | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER

MIDDLETOWN - The sense of disquiet and uncertainty is almost palpable here.

As the lockout of union workers at AK Steel Corp. approaches its fourth month, optimism for a speedy resolution is waning - while economic and emotional costs are mounting.

"Most people didn't anticipate it to go on this long," said Eli Fillios, manager of Skyline Chili at Breiel Boulevard and Ohio 122. "It's hurt everybody - from restaurants to retail to car sales to auto repair. People come in here, they sit at the counter, and you just hear it, over and over: 'We're slow.' "

May 25, 200619 yr

From the 5/25/06 Middletown Journal:

BREAKING NEWS: Union proposal could lead to new affiliation

By Thomas Gnau

Staff Writer

Negotiators for Armco Employees Independent Federation gave AK Steel a new contract proposal Wednesday — a proposal that raised the possibility of affiliating with another union, the International Association of Machinists, and perhaps ending more than six decades of labor independence.

With some 2,400 members today, the AEIF is the nation’s largest independent union of steelworkers, the union has said.

May 26, 200619 yr

From the 5/26/06 Middletown Journal:

AEIF considers ties with larger union

63-year-old localindependent union’s future now in doubt.

By Thomas Gnau

Staff Writer

Members of Armco Employees Independent Federation may face a decision that could alter or end their union’s 63-year history.

If members of Middletown’s biggest union decide to join the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, they will join a union with more than 730,000 active and retired members across the United States and Canada.

Bill Upton, a spokesman for the Upper Marlboro, Md.-based international, said AEIF representatives first approached the IAM last year while researching pension plan options.

June 2, 200619 yr

From the 6/2/06 Middletown Journal:

AK revising retiree health care benefits

SOUND OFF: Talk about the lockout on our AK Steel message board

By Thomas Gnau

Staff Writer

Faced with quickly escalating health care costs and unable to settle a three-month-old lockout, AK Steel Corp. on Thursday said it will alter benefits so that about 4,600 of its retirees will share more of those costs starting Oct. 1.

Today, retirees once represented by Armco Employees Independent Federation do not pay for health insurance beyond co-pays for office visits and prescription drugs, AK said.

But if AK’s plans go unimpeded, that will change. According to an estimate AK provided, Medicare-eligible AEIF retirees could in January 2007 pay about $300 a month for two-party coverage in a “traditional” plan or $200 a month in a Medicare Advantage Preferred Provider Organization plan.

June 3, 200619 yr

From the 6/3/06 Middletown Journal:

Posting by AEIF draws AK response

By Ed Richter

Staff Writer

Friday’s posting on the Armco Employees Independent Federation’s Web site announcing that the union’s executive committee was endorsing the current membership drive by the International Association of Machinists drew a quick response from AK Steel Corp.

“We question the motivation of the AEIF executive committee in encouraging their members to join the IAM,” said Alan McCoy, vice president of government and public relations, in a statement e-mailed to The Journal.

“Only one week ago, as part of a contract negotiation, the AEIF suggested the reason for AEIF members to join the IAM was to participate in its multi-employer pension plan. Yet, the company has not yet even responded to that pension proposal. Thus, endorsement of the IAM to AEIF members a this point would be premature,” said McCoy in the statement.

June 5, 200619 yr

From the 6/5/06 Middletown Journal:

BREAKING NEWS: Steelworkers still interested in AEIF

By Thomas Gnau

Staff Writer

A United Steelworkers of America vice president doesn’t like that a Middletown union may be maneuvering toward joining another international union — and he is saying so out loud.

Tom Conway, a Steelworkers international vice president, had asked to meet with the executive committee of Armco Employees Independent Federation before Thursday’s AEIF general membership meeting.

But on Monday, Conway said Brian Daley, AEIF president, rejected the idea of Conway meeting his executives.

June 6, 200619 yr

From the 6/6/06 Middletown Journal:

AEIF rejects overture by USW

Local union will continue to explore affiliation with Machinists.

By Thomas Gnau

Staff Writer

The union representing locked-out workers at AK Steel’s Middletown Works Monday rejected an overture by the United Steelworkers of America to discuss joining the nation’s largest Steelworkers union.

The decision has disappointed a key USWA executive who criticized the president of the Armco Employees Independent Federation for — what he characterized — as leading his members into a lockout “without knowing how to lead it out again.”

The statement came after AEIF president Brian Daley announced he would not let USWA officials meet with his union’s executive committee, and instead would continue exploring affiliation with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM).

June 7, 200619 yr

From the 6/7/06 Middletown Journal:

AK, AEIF agree on June 13 meeting

When will AK Steel and the AEIF meet again?

Both sides have agreed to meet again June 13, the company said. Representatives met Wednesday to talk about health care issues, but that meeting was not a negotiating session.

Thursday is the 100th day since AK locked out what were then about 2,700 Armco Employees Independent Federation members from Middletown Works. With retirements since then, the AEIF has just under 2,300 active members remaining.

June 9, 200619 yr

From the 6/8/06 Middletown Journal:

Retirees vote to hire attorneys over AK health care costs plan

By Thomas Gnau

Staff Writer

With a verbal acclamation, members of Concerned Armco/AK Steel Retired Employees voted Wednesday to hire legal muscle to fight AK’s plan to boost their share of health insurance costs.

Minutes later, more than 100 retirees took their displeasure directly to the sidewalk outside AK’s Curtis Street corporate headquarters.

“That’s breach of contract,” said Marvin Newland, 53, who retired from Middletown Works after 30 years of service. “No fairness, none whatsoever.”

From same:

Most agree lockout has dragged on too long

By Thomas Gnau

Staff Writer

Although they still are separated by disagreements at the bargaining table, it seems that AK Steel Corp. and members of its Middletown union can agree on at least one idea: AK’s lockout of Armco Employees Independent Federation has gone on too long.

One hundred days ago, Steve Stamper did not think he would be standing outside an AK gate on Yankee Road under the June sun.

Earlier this week, that’s exactly what he was doing.

From same:

Overall, police report peaceful picketing

About 80 police reports relating to the lockout have been filed to date.

By Lauren Pack

Staff Writer

In the 100 days of the AK Steel lockout and picketing union members, Middletown police have been impacted.

But just how much is part of “operational” information that Police Chief Mike Bruck is remaining “mum” about.

At the stroke of midnight March 1, the department put a large contingent of extra officers on the street, stationed at AK Steel gates making their presence known and ready to respond to “anything.”

June 9, 200619 yr

From the 6/9/06 Middletown Journal:

USW presses its case

Steelworkers offer to represent AEIF for one month then step aside if no acceptable contract reached.

By Thomas Gnau

Staff Writer

Members of Armco Employees Independent Federation are a step closer to joining the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.

“Several hundred” AEIF members signed authorizations endorsing affiliation with the IAM, Brian Daley, AEIF president, said after a general AEIF membership meeting Thursday. It was unclear late Thursday what the precise vote tally was.

Meanwhile, as AEIF members met the United Steelworkers made clear they were still interested in representing AK Steel’s Middletown hourly workers.

June 14, 200619 yr

From the 6/13/06 Middletown Journal:

Steelworkers open office on Central Avenue

By Thomas Gnau

Staff Writer

The United Steelworkers of America are opening an office on Central Avenue today, an organizer for the union said Monday.

It’s another sign that a fight is brewing over who will represent AK Steel’s Middletown hourly workforce.

In one corner stands the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, whose local membership drive has been endorsed by leaders of Armco Employees Independent Federation, which has about 2,300 workers locked out of AK’s Middletown Works.

June 14, 200619 yr

From the 6/14/06 Middletown Journal:

Four more tentative agreements reached

By Thomas Gnau

Staff Writer

Before Tuesday’s bargaining session, AK Steel Corp. and Armco Employees Independent Federation had tentative agreements on just four issues, though talks started last November.

June 16, 200618 yr

From the 6/16/06 Middletown Journal:

Steelworkers union opens door for AEIF

Steelworkers make case for representation

By Thomas Gnau

Staff Writer

The battle to represent members of AK Steel’s locked-out Middletown hourly work force isn’t slowing.

On Thursday, the United Steelworkers of America opened the doors at its 1310 Central Ave. office to answer questions from members of Armco Employees Independent Federation, locked out from Middletown Works since March 1.

Although AEIF leaders have endorsed the membership drive of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers — and although the Machinists are well under way in drawing authorization signatures from AEIF members — the Steelworkers continue to make its case.

June 17, 200618 yr

From the 6/17/06 Middletown Journal:

Union elections undecided

Machinists, Steelworkers jockeying to represent AEIF, but cannot reach agreement on election location.

By Thomas Gnau

Staff Writer

On the 108th day of AK Steel’s lockout of more than 2,000 Middletown hourly workers, negotiators for AK and its local union met again.

Brian Daley, president of locked-out AEIF, said his negotiating team presented a comprehensive contract proposal that offered “many changes, both economic and non-economic.” He declined to detail those changes.

The AEIF also reiterated its proposal to have a mediator present at contract talks. Daley said the company maintained its rejection of that proposal.

June 21, 200618 yr

From the 6/21/06 Middletown Journal:

Competing unions head for federal hearing

By Thomas Gnau

Staff Writer

Representatives of unions fighting to represent AK Steel Corp.’s hourly workforce are proceeding to a hearing before National Labor Relations Board staff Thursday, a labor relations field examiner said Tuesday.

The public hearing is set for 10 a.m. in room 5519 of the John Weld Peck Federal Building, 550 Main St., Cincinnati.

Albert Tomasi, a field examiner in the NLRB Cincinnati office, said that hearing may lead to final decisions on which unions will be on a representation election ballot and who can vote in that election, as well as how voting will happen.

June 22, 200618 yr

From the 6/22/06 Middletown Journal:

BREAKING NEWS: Unions, AK make their case before feds

By Thomas Gnau

Staff Writer

CINCINNATI — Pushing past the warnings of a National Labor Relations Board hearing officer, an attorney for AK Steel argued Thursday that its locked-out hourly workers should have ballots mailed to them in a union representation election.

At one point, labor relations officer Al Tomasi warned George Yund, a Frost Brown Todd attorney representing the Middletown steelmaker at the hearing, that he would cut the record short if Yund did not stop talking.

When Tomasi asked Yund if he was finished, Yund said: “Only because you told me you would cut the record off.”

June 23, 200618 yr

So these people have been unemployed for almost 4 months now... what kind of impact has this had on the community? Has there been a noticeable decline or have things managed to limp onward at status quo?

June 23, 200618 yr

^ I don't know, because I don't live there, but I have a couple of detached perspectives. Things seem kind of tense. "Scabs" have been beaten up by striking workers in a couple of instances. Production levels aren't as high. A replacement worker died on the job. But the union can't get any leverage, so this could drag on for a very long time.

From the 6/23/06 Middletown Journal:

Steelworkers rally against replacement workers

By Thomas Gnau

Staff Writer

United Steelworkers of America gathered about 100 people to protest temporary replacement employees working at AK Steel during AK’s lockout of its Middletown union.

“Replacement worker” was not the term used at the rally.

“What’s a scab good for?” Steelworkers organizer Don Collins asked a group gathering off Breiel Boulevard just before the rally.

“Absolutely nothing,” the crowd shouted back.

June 25, 200618 yr

From the 6/24/06 Middletown Journal:

USW rallies with AEIF locked-out workers

100 gathered to protest the temporary workers replacing those who are locked out by AK SteelThe group began at Breiel Boulevard and moved to the McGraw-Kokosing facility during the rally.

By Thomas Gnau

Staff Writer

United Steelworkers of America gathered about 100 people to protest temporary replacement employees working at AK Steel Corp. during the steelmakers’ lockout of its Middletown union.

“Replacement worker” was not the term used at the rally.

“What’s a scab good for?” Steelworkers organizer Don Collins asked a group gathering off Breiel Boulevard just before the rally.

“Absolutely nothing,” the crowd shouted back.

June 27, 200618 yr

From the 6/27/06 Middletown Journal:

AEIF member: 'Tempers are going to flare’

Concerns about violence, business interference growing as AK lockout drags on.

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

As the labor dispute between the city’s largest employer and the country’s largest independent union wears on, concerns are growing about the potential for violence and other illegal activity, officials on both sides of the picket line said Monday.

The lockout of about 2,300 members of armco employees independent federation by AK Steel is in its 118th day. But in the past week, reports about the assault of a replacement worker allegedly by union members, as well as recent attempts allegedly by picketers to jam AK’s business radio frequencies, have members of the steel community on edge.

And they have picketers talking.

June 30, 200618 yr

From the 6/30/06 Middletown Journal:

USW: 'It's an open fight'

By Lindsey Hilty

Staff Writer

Organizers shouted into bull horns, encouraging picketers to chant against replacement workers and nonunion supporters.

“Union busted, that’s disgusting,” was one of the chants shouted Thursday by locked-out AK Steel Corp. workers and their family members as they marched down Central Avenue, most wearing signs that read: “No scabs” and “USW against scabs.”

At one point, some of the more than 200 demonstrators drew the attention of Middletown police, who warned the group to stay on the sidewalks because they did not have a permit to picket in the streets during afternoon rush hour.

July 3, 200618 yr

AK Steel: Retirees given benefits deadline

By Lauren Pack, Staff Writer

MIDDLETOWN — A letter dated Saturday sent to AK Steel Corp. retirees regarding enrollment for health care benefits has spawned a flood of telephone calls to the president of Concerned Armco/AK Steel Retired Employees.

Those who called Michael Bailey had questions and concerns about their changed health care plan, which would require retirees to shoulder more costs, and an enrollment deadline nearly two weeks away.

The letter, apparently sent to about 4,600 retirees, says the company is conducting benefits enrollment for the coverage period of Oct. 1 to Dec. 31 and forms must be completed and returned to the AK Steel Corporation Retiree Assistance Center in an enclosed envelope by July 15.

July 3, 200618 yr

From the 7/2/06 Middletown Journal:

AEIF president says division 'not appreciated'

USW, IAM vie to represent AK hourly workers; union membership conflicted.

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

As the lockout between AK Steel Corp. and the Armco Employees Independent Federation enters its fifth month, the independent union is clamoring for solidarity to see its way through the labor dispute.

Yet at a time when togetherness is paramount — which it has been since the lockout began March 1 — there is a clear dissension in the AEIF rank-and-file.

The fight is heating up over who may consume the AEIF — either the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers or the United Steelworkers of America.

July 4, 200618 yr

From the 7/4/06 Middletown Journal:

AEIF election scheduled July 25-28

Method of election remains to be decided.

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Members of Armco Employees Independent Federation will have an opportunity to determine their fate in an election that is expected to be held this month, according to a ruling of the National Labor Relations Board.

Among the details released in the NLRB’s decision late Friday are specific ballot language that will be used in the election slated for July 25-28, and eligibility requirements of potential voters.

According to the NLRB’s decision, full- and part-time employees of AK Steel Corp. who were locked out March 1 — including those who are on sick or disability leave since the labor dispute began — are eligible to vote in the election.

July 7, 200618 yr

From the 7/6/06 Middletown Journal:

Letter upsets AEIF members

By Dave Greber, Staff Writer

MIDDLETOWN — Members of Armco Employees Independent

Federation and its executive committee are upset at one of their own following hourly workers recently being sent a letter that denounced the union's endorsement in an upcoming election.

Mike Neal, an AEIF trustee for the Cold Mill Pickler area since 2004, sent out the letter dated

July 3 that explained his support for the United Steelworkers, one of two international unions jockeying to take over the independent union.

From same:

AEIF: Election will be conducted manually

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Members of Armco Employees Independent Federation will choose their successor via a manual election later this month, according to a union press release.

The election will be held from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. July 26, and from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 27, according to the AEIF.

Balloting will take place at the VFW Hall, located at 5049 Central Ave., according the AEIF.

July 9, 200618 yr

From the 7/8/06 Middletown Journal:

Labor Board's manual election 'closest to normal election'

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

MIDDLETOWN — Members of Armco Employees Independent Federation will decide who they want to represent them in a manual election later this month, according to union and AK Steel Corp. representatives.

The election is slated to be held from 3 to 8 p.m. July 26, and from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 27. Balloting will take place at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall, located at 5049 Central Ave., the union and company said Friday.

Nearly 2,200 members of the independent union will decide whether they will be represented by the United Steelworkers, the International Association of Machinists or the AEIF, or whether they wish to have no representation.

From same:

Protestors send peaceful message to area businesses

By Lindsey Hilty

Staff Writer

FRANKLIN TWP. — A peaceful protest Friday outside of a hotel where AK Steel replacement workers are staying was not an attempt to intimidate but rather to bring awareness to the four-month-old lockout, members of the United Steel Workers of America said after staging their third demonstration in the Middletown area.

About 70 locked-out members of the Armco Employees Independent Federation and their families held signs and shouted “It’s our jobs” as they rallied outside of the Ramada Inn just off Ohio 122. The hotel has been housing AK replacement workers since the lockout began March 1.

“This is our home,” one demonstrator shouted into a bullhorn. “What do you call workers who take your jobs from you.”

From same:

Congressman blames AK for prolonging dispute

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

MIDDLETOWN — Congressman Sherrod Brown’s campaign trail led him to Middletown’s independent union hall Friday afternoon, where he expressed sympathy for workers locked out of AK Steel’s local plant and blamed the company for perpetuating the labor dispute.

Brown (D-Avon), the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate, dropped by the Armco Employees Independent Federation headquarters on Crawford Street and talked in front of a small crowd of AK hourly workers and retirees before hitting picket lines around the steel plant.

“I think what the company has done is wrong,” Brown said Friday. “I think any company that locks out its employees is wrong.”

July 10, 200618 yr

My parents know someone who works at AK and is locked out, and from what they have said its their 'union' that is dragging this out. They refuse to sit down and talk about an overall contract. They come to the table with 1 item of dispute, and drag it out, then leave. Stupid crap like shoe allowances and other BS.

If that half-assed union would just sit and work out a FULL contract instead of showing up wanting to talk about 1 line item at a time (which AK will not do, that's not how contract negotiations work), then maybe their people could get their jobs back.

These people have had it good for a long time, but the world is changing and if they want a job then AK has to stay competative. Everyone else is dealing with this, why these people think they should be immune to it is beyond me. Look at the money they loose everyday, if they had found middle ground they would have been a lot further ahead (financially and otherwise) than they are today.

There are plenty of people who would want those jobs around here

July 12, 200618 yr

This has gone on for waaaaay to long.

July 14, 200618 yr

From the 7/14/06 Middletown Journal:

Three unions rally in front of AK HQ

By Thomas Gnau

Staff Writer

Chanting loud enough to trigger vehicle alarms and bring security employees out of AK Steel headquarters, more than 100 union members rallied on Curtis Street this morning.

Most were members of Armco Employees Independent Federation, which organized the event. But scattered through the crowd were organizers from two international unions — the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and the United Steelworkers of America, both vying to represent AEIF members.

For nearly five months, more than 2,000 AEIF members have been locked out of AK’s Middletown Works. Those who took to Curtis Street today apparently have had enough.

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