AK Steel Business News

July 17, 200618 yr

A town in pain

As AK Steel lockout drags on, Middletown tries to cope

Monday, July 17, 2006

Holly Zachariah

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

MIDDLETOWN, Ohio — Restaurant owner Dennis Schiavone sent one of his food suppliers back to Columbus without an order Thursday. Times are tough, so he had to cut down to one vendor.

Across town, the Coca-Cola delivery man left Sloan’s Market without restocking the shelves. With at least 2,200 workers at the largest plant in town locked out, employees say business is down at least 15 percent and groceries are just gathering dust.

Business owners say this is collateral damage from a lockout at AK Steel that is now in its fifth month. The company shut out about 2,600 hourly workers Feb. 28 in a contract dispute over pensions, health-care plans and work duties.

July 20, 200618 yr

From the 7/20/06 Middletown Journal:

AK boss, analysts to talk

Wainscott will review second-quarter earnings; AEIF plans its own call.

By Thomas Gnau

Staff Writer

AK Steel’s chairman won’t be the only one talking to steel industry analysts about the Middletown steelmaker next week.

Brian Daley, president of AK’s biggest union, and Michael Locker, an AEIF consultant AK is suing, also want to be heard Tuesday, when AK is set to release its second quarter 2006 earnings report.

James Wainscott, also AK’s chief executive and president, is scheduled to speak with analysts in an 11 a.m. Tuesday conference call.

July 21, 200618 yr

From the 7/21/06 Middletown Journal:

Dueling unions have dueling events

By Thomas Gnau

Staff Writer

Two international unions battling to represent AK Steel’s hourly workers each rallied those workers in separate events Friday.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and Armco Employees Independent Federation had a “solidarity picnic and pig roast” at Armco Park in Warren County’s Turtlecreek Township Friday afternoon.

The United Steelworkers of America rallied in front of AK’s Curtis Street general offices.

July 24, 200618 yr

From the 7/22/06 Middletown Journal:

Victory may lead to quick end

By Thomas Gnau

Staff Writer

MIDDLETOWN — With some 200 members rallying in front of AK Steel’s corporate office on Curtis Street Friday, a union leader pledged a vote for the United Steelworkers of America to produce a tentative contract for the more than 2,200 locked out workers in 30 days.

“At the end of the election next week, sit down and prepare to bargain,” is what USW vice president Tim Conway shouted through a bullhorn in front of AK offices.

The USW is competing with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers to represent locked-out members of the Armco Employees Independent Federation. The AEIF executive committee has endorsed the IAM, and Friday challenged Conway’s promise.

From same:

Politico questions AK's labor agreement with Butler Works

By Thomas Gnau

Staff Writer

AK Steel Corp. and the union representing 1,400 hourly production and maintenance workers at Butler, Pa., Works ratified a new six-year labor agreement, the company announced Friday.

The steelmaker’s pact with the Union Auto Workers Local 3303 is the second agreement it has reached with the union. On May 9, the company and the UAW Local 4104 ratified a new agreement for about 200 hourly production and maintenance workers at its Zanesville Works facility.

The company noted the Butler Works negotiating teams met 20 times between June 20 and July 14 to reach a new agreement, according to AK spokesman Alan McCoy. The contract takes effect Oct. 1 and runs through Sept. 30, 2012.

July 25, 200618 yr

From the 7/25/06 Middletown Journal:

IAM, USW or neither: Decision time for AEIF members

By Thomas Gnau

Staff Writer

This is arguably the most important week in the 63-year history of Armco Employees Independent Federation.

A National Labor Relations Board election is set Wednesday and Thursday to allow AEIF members to choose one of two big international unions to represent them, to affirm current AEIF representation — or to choose no union representation at all.

Retiree Charles Moreland, an AEIF vice president for 16 years in the 1970s and 1980s, guessed Monday that the election marks the end of the independent union, which formed on Jan. 26, 1943.

July 26, 200618 yr

All stories from the 7/26/06 Middletown Journal:

Unions' campaigns hit final hours

By Thomas Gnau

Staff Writer

Sometime before rush hour Wednesday, both sides of Central Avenue near Dixie Highway became an arena for union politicking and campaigning.

A crowded arena.

Supporters and organizers for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and the United Steelworkers lined both sides of Central near its eastern terminus in Franklin Township, waving placards and passing handbills.

AK reports earnings on eve of union vote

Write deck heads as sentences hery

On the day AK Steel Corp. reported net income for the second quarter of 2006, steel industry observers heard leaders of the company and its Middletown union argue about what it means.

The bottom line: James Wainscott, AK chairman, chief executive and president, said AK can continue operating Middletown Works “for as short or as long as it takes” with a temporary replacement work force.

And Brian Daley, president of Armco Employees Independent Federation, said his negotiators are “baffled” as to what it will take to end the lockout of his approximately 2,200 remaining members, which has persisted since March 1.

Steelmaker's net income triples in quarter

By Thomas Gnau

Staff Writer

Even with a lockout nearing the five-month mark, AK Steel Corp. reported on Tuesday net income of $29.1 million, or 26 cents per share of common stock, for the second quarter of 2006.

That more than triples the $9 million, or 8 cents per share, reported in net income in the second quarter last year. That amount included a non-cash charge of $29.5 million tied to changes in state tax law.

The Middletown steelmaker also reported net sales at a record $1,497.3 million, a three percent increase from the second quarter last year, on shipments of 1,599,100 tons. Those shipments are slightly less than the 1,610,500 tons reported in the second quarter of 2005.

AEIF says it has conceded $100M in negotiations

Daley, consultant Locker make their case.

By Thomas Gnau

Staff Writer

Negotiators for hourly workers locked out from Middletown Works have made more than $100 million in annual concessions, even with proposed wage increases factored in, the president of Armco Employees Independent Federation said Tuesday.

“There is no other AK (Steel) facility that has ever approved those kinds of concessions,” said Brian Daley.

But there are some proposed concessions the AEIF simply can’t make, Daley said. He said AK has proposed having future retirees pay $1,100 a month in health care premiums for families.

Wainscott: Lockout can go on, if it must

AK CEO makes tough statement, shows his resolve in call.

By Thomas Gnau

Staff Writer

With the lockout of his Middletown hourly work force nearly five months old, a feisty AK Steel chief executive Tuesday showed no signs of backing down or tiring out in a conference call.

Just the opposite: With a temporary replacement crew of about 900 fewer workers operating on only four months’ experience, James Wainscott, also AK’s chairman and president, is hailing recent production records at Middletown Works.

As one steel industry analyst, David McGregor, told Wainscott: “It’s nice to see you’re still in fighting form.”

Most just want lockout to be over

By RICK MCCRABB

COLUMNIST

Would the AEIF, the USW or the IAM be the best union to represent AK Steel’s union members?

When a National Labor Relations Board election is held today and Thursday — possibly the most historic two days in the 63-year history of Armco Employees Independent Federation — many in this town won’t care whether the AEIF, the United Steelworkers of America or the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers prevails.

The three unions, at least to those working outside the mill, are jumbled letters — like a spoon of alphabet soup. Middletown residents want the lockout, which has stretched for 148 days, settled.

July 27, 200618 yr

From the AP, 7/27/06:

International Association of Machinists win right to represent AEIF members

The Associated Press

MIDDLETOWN — Leaders of the nation’s largest independent steel workers’ union, locked out by AK Steel for nearly five months, voted Thursday to affiliate with the International Association of Machinists.

Leaders of the Armco Employees Independent Federation had urged members to choose the Machinists rather than the United Steelworkers, saying it would give them leverage in contract talks at the company’s Middletown Works.

“Financially, it’s become very difficult to remain as an independent,” said AEIF president Brian Daley. “We knew we needed the financial strength. The best bang for the buck was to join an international, and we certainly believe the Machinists are the best.”

July 28, 200618 yr

All stories from the 7/28/06 Middletown Journal:

AEIF trustee who supported USW asked to resign

By Thomas Gnau

Staff Writer

The AEIF trustee who supported the United Steelworkers in a representation election this week has been told to resign by the union that won that election.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers told Mike Neal, an AEIF trustee who came out for the Steelworkers in a public letter of endorsement earlier this month, to resign his post Friday, said Mike Yoffee, a Steelworkers organizer.

“I am disappointed that after stating that he (Neal) wanted to start a period of healing that (AEIF President) Brian Daley and the Machinists would make this their first decision after the election,” Yoffee said Friday afternoon.

Election challenges up in the air; voter turnout exceeds 84%

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Officials with the United Steelworkers and AK Steel Corp. said they aren’t planning to challenge the results of this week’s union representation election — yet.

Members of the nation’s largest independent steelworkers union — the Armco Employees Independent Federation — voted Thursday to affiliate with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.

Following the vote, both AK Steel and the USW, one of the unions jockeying to represent AEIF members, said they were going to research their options further.

Vote paves way for new union — AEIF/IAM Local 1943

By Thomas Gnau

Staff Writer

Seconds before federal regulators said the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers had won the right to represent AK Steel’s locked-out hourly work force, Rocky Carroll — wearing a United Steelworkers T-shirt — shook the hand of a Machinists supporter.

“I gotta be with you guys now,” said Carroll, now the member of a new union — Armco Employees Independent Federation/International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 1943.

More than three hours after voting ended, supporters of once competing internationals — the Machinists and the Steelworkers — came together in similar ways inside and outside the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3809 social center, where balloting took place over 11 hours Wednesday and Thursday.

No easy path to end of lockout

By Thomas Gnau

Staff Writer

Now that AK Steel’s Middletown hourly work force has the backing of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, a simple question emerges.

How will this development end the 150-day lockout of some 2,200 remaining Armco Employees Independent Federation members from AK Steel’s Middletown Works?

Election marks end of an era

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

The nation’s largest independent steelworkers’ union saw its 63-year history come to an end Thursday when its members voted to join with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.

While the election marked a new beginning for AK Steel Corp.’s largest union, many said changes will be no more than the addition of a few letters, and that the heart and soul of the AEIF — its members — will move forward.

“We’ve been independent for 63 years and we’re proud of that,” said Rick Reckart, a 34-year AK Steel employee and the grievance administrator for the AEIF. “I think everybody will tell you the same thing: We’ve accomplished quite a bit as an independent union.

Ending lockout what concerns most residents

Many hope slow-moving talks will pick up.

Staff Report

It didn’t seem to make a difference to many Middletonians which union came out on top in this week’s election to determine representation for the Armco Employees Independent Federation.

What they cared about was whether the winner — The International Association of Machinists an Aerospace Workers — could quickly end the nearly 5-month-old lockout of hourly workers at Middletown Works.

“If it helps them get back to work, fine,” said Mary Hudson, a Middletown resident. “Hopefully this union will get them back to work.”

Retirees seem pleased with Machinists

By Ed Richter

Staff Writer

Several area retirees of AK Steel Corp. and its predecessor Armco Steel Co. were supportive and receptive to Thursday’s vote that made the Armco Employees Independent Federation a part of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.

“It’s all good news to me,” said Michael Bailey, president of the Concerned Armco/AK Steel Retired Employees for the past three months and a past AEIF president.

Bailey said the new affiliation will allow the employees at the Middletown Works “to move forward” in getting a settlement on a new contract and ending the nearly five-month lockout of the union by AK Steel.

What they said

“The rank and file sent a strong message to the union and to the company that they need to stay the course and secure an agreement acceptable to both parties and to bring stability to the community.”

Michael Bailey, president of Concerned Armco/AK Steel Retired Employees and a past president of the Armco Employees Independent Federation.

“The truth. The Machinists were not out to sell a bill of goods.”

Brian Daley, president of Armco Employees Independent Federation, after being asked what made the difference in the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers’ victory.

“No matter who represents the Middletown Works bargaining unit, our goal is unchanged — and that is to get a competitive, new bargaining agreement.”

Alan McCoy, AK vice president of government and public relations.

July 31, 200618 yr

From the 7/30/06 Middletown Journal:

Is the lockout end in sight?

By Thomas Gnau

Staff Writer

It began with a proposal at a labor bargaining table in May.

The latest chapter involved more than 1,850 votes in a National Labor Relations Board-supervised election last week.

How it ends is anybody’s guess.

From same:

Steelworkers can't get a break

USW has history of failed attempts to support Middletown Works employees.

By Thomas Gnau

Staff Writer

As far as the United Steelworkers are concerned, it might be called the “Middletown curse.”

The international union with some 1.2 million members in the United States and Canada never has been able to organize AK Steel’s hourly work force in Middletown.

And it’s not for a lack of trying.

August 2, 200618 yr

From the 8/2/06 Middletown Journal:

Fast Facts on AK Steel/Union negotiations

AK Steel says it is waiting for a counterproposal.

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

What’s going on:

The international union now representing about 2,200 hourly workers locked out of AK Steel Corp’s Middletown Works since March 1 last week asked the steelmaker to agree to a bargaining session today, the union said Tuesday.

Will they meet:

Brian Daley, president of Armco Employees Independent Federation/International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 1943 said Tuesday the company has yet to respond to the union’s request for a meeting.

However, company representatives said Tuesday afternoon they were awaiting a response and counterproposal from the AEIF/IAM.

August 4, 200618 yr

All stories from the 8/4/06 Middletown Journal:

Butler commissioners urge settlement in AK lockout

Third letter to be sent to AK management, new union asking both sides reach resolution.

By Candice Brooks

Staff Writer

The Butler County commissioners are anxious.

The AK Steel Corp. lockout at Middletown Works has entered its six month and there appears to be no rush to return to the bargaining table since the 2,200 locked-out workers chose new representation.

Middletown has taken an economic beating and workers’ unemployment benefits will soon run out.

AK sued by provider of replacement workers

By Ed Richter

Staff Writer

A company that provided temporary rail workers to work at the AK Steel Corp.’s Middletown Works is suing the steelmaker for terminating its contract and going with another company.

American Managed Transportation Services LLC of Corydon, Ind., filed the lawsuit July 28 in U.S. District Court in Cincinnati against AK Steel and RailTemps Inc. of Leawood, Kan.

AK Steel to contest citation, proposed penalty

By Ed Richter

Staff Writer

AK Steel Corp. says it will challenge a citation in the May death of a replacement worker at Middletown Works.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration on June 27 issued the alleged violation and proposed penalty against AK Steel following a 7 12 -week investigation of the May 4 death of replacement worker Curtis E. Johnson, 54, of Newark, Ohio.

Alan McCoy, AK Steel’s vice president of government and public relations, confirmed late Thursday the steelmaker on July 24 notified OSHA it would be contesting the alleged violation and proposed penalty.

August 8, 200618 yr

From the 8/8/06 Middletown Journal:

Benefits may boost picket presence

Locked-out workers now eligible for $150 per week.

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

The union representing about 2,100 hourly workers locked out of AK Steel Corp.’s Middletown Works plant hopes new weekly benefits will increase its presence on picket lines.

The Armco Employees Independent Federation/International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 1943 international status will allow them to pay union members $150 per week for their participation in picketing the company’s nine entrances.

In addition to forming a new picket committee, the union has formed a new election committee.

August 11, 200618 yr

From the 8/11/06 Middletown Journal:

Butler wants AK talks offers released

Commissioners write third letter urging end to prolonged lockout.

By Candice Brooks

Staff Writer

As AK Steel Corp. and its 2,100 locked-out workers head to back to the bargaining table today, they have a unified message from the Butler County commissioners.

“Do everything humanly possible to bring this dispute to a close,” the commissioners wrote in a letter mailed Thursday.

With the lockout in its six month, the commissioners wrote a third letter as a body encouraging a speedy resolution. That solution could be accelerated if both sides released the details of their offers and sought a mediator in negotiations, county officials said.

August 12, 200618 yr

From the 8/12/06 Middletown Journal:

Union, AK talks 'a good session'

By Ed Richter

Staff Writer

Negotiators for AK Steel Corp. and the Armco Employees Independent Federation/International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 1943 met for a little more than two hours Friday in its latest bargaining session.

Friday’s bargaining session marked the 73rd time AK Steel and union representatives have met since Nov. 30 to reach an agreement on a new contract, said Alan McCoy, AK Steel’s vice president of government and public relations.

McCoy said the company and the union discussed a variety of issues. While McCoy declined to comment on the tenor of Friday’s session, he did say the company was still reviewing the counterproposal the union presented Thursday.

From the 8/12/06 Enquirer:

Workers set aside $500,000

BY MIKE BOYER | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER

MIDDLETOWN - Locked-out employees at AK Steel have set aside $500,000 from their $4 million union treasury to help members struggling with creditors or medical expenses.

Members of Machinists Local 1943, formerly the Armco Employees Independent Federation, voted Thursday to create the fund during a membership meeting. Since the employees were locked out of the Middletown Works on Feb. 28 by the company in an ongoing contract dispute, there have been reports of workers facing home foreclosures or other financial hardships.

Jim Tyler, a spokesman for the Machinists, said he wasn't personally aware of financial hardships faced by members of Local 1943, but "I'm sure there some who are facing big bills or losing their home."

August 18, 200618 yr

From the 8/17/06 Middletown Journal:

AK Steel, union meet for 74th time

AK official says union’s proposal doesn’t narrow gap on key issues.

By Ed Richter

Staff Writer

Negotiators from AK Steel Corp. and its largest union met again for a little more than 90 minutes in their bargaining session held Wednesday morning.

It was the 74th meeting between the Middletown steelmaker and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers/Armco Employees Independent Federation Local 1943 since contract negotiations began Nov. 30, 2005.

Jim Tyler, Machinists spokesman, said both sides were negotiating and that another session is slated for 8:30 a.m. Friday.

August 19, 200618 yr

From the 8/19/06 Middletown Journal:

AK Steel: Union proposal 'difficult to review'

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Negotiators from AK Steel Corp. and representatives from the union representing the company’s hourly work force met for more than three hours Friday morning.

The second meeting this week marked the 75th time the two sides have come together since bargaining sessions began on Nov. 30, 2005.

Although no specifics were provided by the company or officials from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers/Armco Employees Independent Union Local 1943, which represents about 2,100 local steelworkers, a Machinists spokesman said Friday’s meeting was “more of an information gathering session.”

August 24, 200618 yr

From the 8/23/06 Middletown Journal:

AK Steel withdraws federal lawsuit against union, retirees

Steelmaker says it wants 'quick resolution;' retirees want class action status to stop proposed changes to health care benefits.

By Ed Richter

Staff Writer

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — AK Steel Corp. Tuesday withdrew its federal lawsuit in which the company was seeking judgment to allow it to modify retirees' health benefits.

The suit against the Armco Employees Independent Federation, which has since affiliated with the International Association of Machinists and Aeronautical Workers, the local union's officers and the nine retirees, which was filed in U.S. District Court in Dayton was voluntarily dismissed by AK Steel.

Alan McCoy, AK Steel's vice president of government and public relations, said the company withdrew the lawsuit was because it was "interested in a rapid resolution of this case."

August 25, 200618 yr

From the 8/25/06 Middletown Journal:

AK Steel, union to meet Wednesday

Company says it is still reviewing Aug. 10 counterproposal.

By Ed Richter

Staff Writer

Friday, August 25, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — An upcoming bargaining session between AK Steel Corp. and its locked-out union "will be an opportunity for both sides to seek clarity and ask questions of each other," according to Alan McCoy, AK Steel's vice president of government and public relations.

The next session of negotiations between AK Steel and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers/Armco Employees Independent Federation Local 1943 is 10 a.m. Wednesday.

The last time the company and the union had met was a week ago today. AK Steel and the union have met 75 times since Nov. 30, 2005, to reach an agreement on a new contract.

August 28, 200618 yr

From the 8/28/06 Middletown Journal:

Prayers lifted up for AK

By Lauren Pack

Staff Writer

Monday, August 28, 2006

It was a bit rainy and there was some confusion about the start time, but the organizer of a rally to surround the AK Steel Corp. plant with prayer believes the message was heard Sunday afternoon.

Some 60 people from churches throughout the area gathered for about an hour from 3 to 4 p.m. near the Middletown Works main gate on Crawford Street, said Babs Shepard, event organizer and member of St. Luke United Presbyterian Church.

"We wanted to show that we can do something proactive," Shepard said, noting unemployment benefits for many locked out workers ended this week. "It was a show of unity and a prayer of wisdom to support everyone."

September 2, 200618 yr

From the 8/31/06 DDN:

AK Steel official says union proposal doesn't aid talks

By Ed Richter

Staff Writer

Thursday, August 31, 2006

The latest contract proposal from the IAM-AEIF union has "widened the gap" in negotiations between AK Steel Corp. and its locked-out work force, an AK Steel official said Wednesday.

AK Steel presented a new comprehensive contract proposal to its largest union during contract talks, said Alan McCoy, vice president of government and public relations.

Negotiators from AK Steel and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers/Armco Employees Independent Federation Local Lodge 1943 met for about an hour during the 76th bargaining session between AK Steel and the Middletown Works union since Nov. 30, 2005. Negotiators last met Aug. 18.

September 4, 200618 yr

From the 9/2/06 Middletown Journal:

Negotiators meet on sixth-month anniversary of lockout at AK Steel's Middletown Works

IAM-AEIF presents proposal to AK Steel during Friday negotiation session.

By Ed Richter

Staff Writer

Saturday, September 02, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — AK Steel Corp.'s largest union gave the steelmaker a response to its latest contract proposal Friday during a 90-minute negotiating session on the sixth-month anniversary of the lockout at Middletown Works.

Jim Tyler, spokesman for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers/Armco Employees Independent Federation Local Lodge 1943, said the locked out union's counterproposal "was in response to AK Steel's proposal" from Wednesday's negotiating session.

Friday marked the 77th negotiation session to reach a new contract agreement between the steelmaker and the union since Nov. 30, 2005.

September 5, 200618 yr

From the 9/4/06 Middletown Journal:

IAM/AEIF ask Building and Construction Trades Council of Butler County to honor its picket

Council says it has no choice to cross and is 'a pawn in a game of chess.'

By By Ed Richter

Staff Writer

MIDDLETOWN | As the nation's marks the 124th anniversary of Labor Day today, the union that represents the locked out hourly workers of AK Steel's Middletown Works has asked union member contractors not to cross their picket line at the gates to mark the national holiday.

Last week, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers/Armco Employees Independent Federation Local Lodge 1943 asked the local Building and Construction Trades Council of Butler County to honor the 188-day picket at AK Steel.

The Trades Council is facing a dilemma because of a national agreement that requires it must honor its maintenance contracts with industry.

From the 9/4/06 AP:

Labor Day has somber tone for Middletown steelworkers

Labor troubles at AK Steel drag into their seventh month of a worker lockout.

By Terry Kinney

Associated Press

Monday, September 04, 2006

Middletown — Labor Day, traditionally a time for union picnics and politicking, will have a somber tone in this southwest Ohio steel town this year.

Pickets are outside the gates at AK Steel's Middletown Works, where a lockout drags into its seventh month, and the company is making steel with replacement workers. Uncertainty about the future hangs over the century-old company — one of the last independent U.S. steelmakers — and its union workers, many of them second- or third-generation employees.

"This lockout has impacted our whole community," said Michael Bailey, who worked for AK Steel and its predecessor Armco Inc. for 30 years. "It's a giant step backwards to see all the work our labor movement has done, to be approaching a historical moment like this, to see our families locked out from AK Steel. It's hard to celebrate."

Also from the AP:

Key events in AK Steel's Middletown Works lockout

By The Associated Press

Monday, September 04, 2006

A timeline of the lockout at AK Steel's Middletown Works. AK Steel makes flat-rolled carbon steel and stainless and electrical steel used in cars and appliances. The company's biggest mill and headquarters are in Middletown, with smaller plants in Zanesville, Mansfield and Coshocton; Ashland, Ky.; Rockport, Ind., and Butler, Pa.:

September 6, 200618 yr

From the 9/6/06 Middletown Journal:

AK Steel, IAM/AEIF to meet Sept. 12

By Ed Richter

Staff Writer

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — The next negotiation session between AK Steel Corp. and it?s largest Middletown Works union has been scheduled for 2 p.m. Tuesday.

So far, representatives from AK Steel and its locked-out union, now the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers/Armco Employees Independent Federation, have met 77 times since negotiations began on Nov. 30, 2005.

The union and AK Steel last met for about 90 minutes Friday. At that time, the union responded to the latest proposal AK Steel representatives presented Aug. 30, according to Jim Tyler, Machinists spokesman.

September 9, 200618 yr

From the 9/7/06 Middletown Journal:

Union rallies to 'enlighten community'

Locked-out AK Steel workers call for a contract Wednesday outside steelmaker's headquarters.

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Thursday, September 07, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — The union representing hourly workers at AK Steel Corp.'s Middletown Works held two rallies Wednesday to urge the company back to the bargaining table sooner and to garner support from local legislators.

It's the first time the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers/Armco Employees Independent Federation Local Lodge 1943 has held two separate rallies in one day since the lockout began at midnight March 1.

But the community should get used to seeing such events more often, union officials said Wednesday.

September 12, 200618 yr

From the 9/12/06 Middletown Journal:

IAM/AEIF, company will meet today

Two sides last met for 90 minutes on Sept. 1.

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — What's next?

Negotiators for AK Steel Corp. and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers/Armco Employees Independent Federation Local Lodge 1943 are scheduled to meet at 2 p.m. today. Should the meeting take place, it will be the 78th time the company and its largest union have come together since bargaining began Nov. 30, 2005.

What has happened?

Representatives from the IAM/AEIF and AK last met for about 90 minutes on Sept. 1, during which time the union responded to the latest company proposal.

Among the nearly 2,600 members of the then-AEIF, 2,097 remain, according to Alan McCoy, AK's vice president, government and public relations. The most recent retirements include 29 in August in addition to eight resignations, McCoy said.

September 14, 200618 yr

From the 9/13/06 Enquirer:

AK workers turn to retraining

Jobless pay starting to end

BY MIKE BOYER | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER

MIDDLETOWN - As the lockout of more than 2,000 AK Steel workers stretches into its seventh month, most of the workers are seeing their 26 weeks of unemployment benefits expire.

With few other options, Butler County is extending assistance to those workers who want to retrain for new jobs.

County commissioners have designated the workers "dislocated'' under federal Workforce Investment Act criteria. The designation allows them to seek job retraining assistance when their unemployment eligibility expires.

September 17, 200618 yr

From the 9/17/06 Middletown Journal:

Middletown ministers call AK lockout 'time of crisis'

By Lindsey Hilty

Staff Writer

Sunday, September 17, 2006

The Middletown Ministerial Alliance met Saturday to develop a plan for the city of Middletown, during what alliance members call "a time of crisis."

Alliance President Rev. Michael Bailey — also president of Concerned AK Steel/Armco Retired Employees — said the impact of AK Steel's nearly seven-month lockout of more than 2,000 local workers ranks with "9/11 and Hurricane Katrina."

"This is not only a labor-management issue," said Bailey, former president of what was Armco Employees Independent Federation. "This is a community issue because it impacts the entire community."

September 20, 200618 yr

From the 9/20/06 Middletown Journal:

City Council urges end to AK lockout

Hundreds attend rally at city hall asking for local lawmakers to help get steelmaker to use federal mediator to reach settlement.

By Dave Greber, Ed Richter

Staff Writers

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — Before a large audience of locked-out steelworkers and their families, Middletown City Council added a resolution to its agenda to support the expeditious negotiation of the pending labor dispute between AK Steel Corp. and its largest union at the Middletown Works.

Brian Daley, president of International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers/Armco Employees Independent Federation Local Lodge 1943, said he wanted to call attention to the severity of the lockout at AK Steel.

The union is agreeing to do away with the old base work force guarantee of 3,114, which will see 1,300 jobs eliminated, and has agreed to $500 million in concessions, Daley said.

September 23, 200618 yr

From the 9/21/06 Middletown Journal:

AK seeks court's help to limit pickets

IAM-AEIF 'shocked' by allegations and attempts to curtail picketing at Middletown Works.

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Thursday, September 21, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — As the labor dispute between AK Steel Corp. and its hourly work force approaches its eighth month, the company has ordered county courts to dramatically change union picketing practices.

But whether any of the 21 restrictions Middletown's largest employer is attempting to place on nearly 2,100 union members will stick now is in the hands of a Butler County Common Pleas Court judge.

The 11-page complaint filed Wednesday by AK Steel names 14 defendants, including International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers/Armco Employees Independent Federation Local Lodge 1943 President Brian Daley, nine members of the Machinists union's executive committee and its lead negotiator.

While the union said Wednesday it was "shocked" by the company's allegations, AK Steel officials said they were fearful of picketing practices.

"The activity has picked up dramatically and we are concerned that without an injunction, it will continue and someone will get hurt," said Alan McCoy, AK Steel's vice president of government and public relations.

September 23, 200618 yr

From the 9/22/06 Middletown Journal:

Judge curtails picketing at AK Steel gates

Union members unfazed, continue business as usual

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Friday, September 22, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — A judge upheld a motion by AK Steel Corp. to curtail picketing activities at its Middletown Works plant Thursday, but little had changed for locked-out union members.

Butler County Common Pleas Court Judge Andrew Nastoff on Thursday issued a temporary restraining order on inflammatory picketing practices of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers/Armco Employees Independent Federation Local Lodge 1943.

The restraining order will be in place for the next 14 days and carried out by union and company officials and area law enforcement. On Oct. 4, Nastoff is expected to begin hearings for a preliminary injunction — a more permanent form of the restraint.

Union officials and rank-and-file members said they were shocked to hear of the court filing Wednesday by AK Steel, which claimed picketing activities around the plant "had increased dramatically."

Restrictions issued by the court Thursday include "mass picketing" that results in threats, insults, obscene language or the obstruction of traffic in and out of Middletown Works; picketing within 50 feet of the nine gates around the plant; engaging in violence with AK Steel employees or damaging company property; and throwing debris — such as nails, glass or tire jacks — near AK Steel gates.

September 23, 200618 yr

From the 9/23/06 Middletown Journal:

AK gives union 'final' offer

Offer expires at midnight Monday; union bargainers to decide today

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Saturday, September 23, 2006

After more than 80 negotiation sessions and a nearly seven-month lockout, AK Steel Corp. Friday gave its Middletown Works union what it said is its "final" contract offer.

Now the next step lies with leaders of the company's hourly workforce, which has until midnight Monday before the current offer expires, according to AK.

"The parties have had a long time to discuss the issues, and I think there's been a full opportunity to understand each other's positions," said Alan McCoy, AK's vice president, government and public relations.

A spokesman for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers/Armco Employees Independent Federation Local Lodge 1943 said the union's bargaining committee will continue meeting Saturday to discuss the offer.

"The response is to review (the offer) and that is what they're doing," said Jim Tyler, IAM/AEIF spokesman. "We'll make a decision (Saturday)."

When a decision is reached, it will then be up to the union's executive and bargaining committees whether to present the contract to the IAM/AEIF rank-and-file members.

From same:

AEIF retirees like judge's ruling

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Saturday, September 23, 2006

A U.S. District Court judge ruled Friday in favor of some 4,500 AK Steel Corp. retirees, preventing the company from forcing former workers to shoulder increased health-insurance costs for now.

U.S. District Court Judge Michael R. Barrett agreed to uphold the preliminary injunction filed on behalf of retirees earlier this summer in response to AK's decision to increase health-insurance costs as of Oct. 1.

"We're in this thing to fight, and we fought back and the judge agreed with us," said Michael Bailey, president of Concerned AK Steel/Armco Retired Employees. "We knew that this would cause irreparable harm to the retirees. So what the company planned to do to us, now they cannot."

From the AP, 9/23/06:

Lockout at AK Steel turns into career changes for steelworkers

Graduating from Butler Tech construction training program offers three men chance for new calling.

Associated Press

Saturday, September 23, 2006

HAMILTON — The graduation ceremony had all the trappings of a high school commencement — nervous speeches, cheering families, flashing camera strobes — but the people receiving diplomas weren't teenagers going to college or into the job market for the first time.

Three men among those walking across the auditorium stage to receive a diploma and handshake Thursday thought they'd found their life's work, until a lockout at AK Steel's Middletown Works in late winter forced them to make a mid-life adjustment.

"I should have done this 10 years ago," said Ryan Krause, one of three AK workers among the 10 adults in the first class to finish the construction training program at Butler Tech.

September 25, 200618 yr

Both from the 9/24/06 Middletown Journal:

IAM/AEIF members: More questions than answers

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Sunday, September 24, 2006

Locked-out members of AK Steel Corp.'s hourly workforce will vote Monday on a contract proposal the company calls "final."

But on Saturday, frustration was the overall reaction for more than 100 workers on hearing they would have less than 24 hours in which to review the company's final proposal and vote to approve or deny it.

The ratification vote — for about 2,100 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers/Armco Employees Independent Federation Local Lodge 1943 — is scheduled Monday following a 10 a.m. membership meeting at the Disabled American Veterans hall at 4610 Trenton-Franklin Road.

The DAV hall will close at 7 p.m. A decision on the contract must be ratified by midnight Monday, AK Steel has said, or the contract offer expires.

If approved by union voters, the contract would go into effect Oct. 1. If the vote does not take place or if the contract is rejected by members, the lockout would continue, union officials said Saturday.

On a soggy Saturday afternoon — with the company's nine gates void of pickets who have been locked out of Middletown Works since March 1 — a union spokesman was met with anger over the process of divulging information to rank-and-file members.

Union members cursed loudly, demanding a detailed copy of the full contract proposal.

Jim Tyler, IAM/AEIF spokesman said the union's executive committee did not endorse the company's final offer, which was delivered to union officials at 2 p.m. Friday.

Union offers 'highlights' of AK Steel's 'final' proposed contract

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Sunday, September 24, 2006

The union representing AK Steel Corp.'s Middletown hourly workforce — the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers/Armco Employees Independent Federation Local 1943 — offered Saturday what it called "highlights" of AK's final contract proposal.

Proposed contract

• If approved by a union vote Monday, the new contract would go into effect Oct. 1 and expire Sept. 30, 2011;

• "The union's position prevailed ... and includes several improvements" on pensions. According to the union, a new defined benefit pension under the IAM pension fund is established, to which the company would make a $1.80 contribution per hour based on a 40-hour work week;

• All returning employees are guaranteed 40-hour work week;

• Placing all production and maintenance workers into one of seven job descriptions occupying five labor grades. A promotion from one labor grade to another will bring "a much larger pay increase than previously experienced by our membership."

• Wages and incentives:

September 25, 200618 yr

Both from the 9/25/06 Middletown Journal:

Vote today on AK's 'final' contract offer

IAM-AEIF members locked out Middletown Works for nearly eight months; some union members dislike returning to work conditions of proposal.

By Lauren Pack

Staff Writer

Monday, September 25, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — Locked-out AK Steel Corp. workers thumbed through thick copies of a document marked "final company proposal" Sunday evening as they sat outside the main gate on Roosevelt Boulevard.

"It's toilet paper," said Sean Schroeder as the half-dozen men from the trucking section of Middletown Works yelled out to a van full of replacement workers as they drove by.

The others at the gate agreed, but said many International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers/Armco Employees Independent Federation Local Lodge 1943 members will vote for the contract today. Many are hurting for money now that the lockout has lingered for nearly eight months.

"Really it is not about the money. What's so bad is the return to work agreement," said Jon Slone.

The men pointed to a section of the proposal that states temporary replacement workers, contractor employees and company supervisors will remain from Oct. 1 to March 31, 2007, and will be free of harassment. Also, some employees may be scheduled to work less than 40 hours a week.

Hundreds of IAM/AEIF Local 1943 union members already turning out for contract vote

Voting on AK Steel's 'final proposed contract' expected to last until 7 p.m. today

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Monday, September 25, 2006

Traffic along Trenton-Franklin Road was backed up for miles this morning as hundreds of locked-out AK Steel workers descended upon the Disabled American Veterans hall around 10 a.m. for one of the most important union membership meetings in Middletown's history.

The purpose of the meeting is to review AK's final contract proposal to its largest union — The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers/Armco Employees Independent Federation Local 1943 — and discuss the procedure for voting on the contract today. Because of the large turnout, union leaders have decided to hold a second membership meeting at the DAV at 4 p.m.

September 26, 200618 yr

Middletown is doomed.

AK needs to somehow decertify the union and proceed with a nonunion workforce.

They already are operating nonunion, they just need to make it official.

September 28, 200618 yr

Here are the articles from the 9/26/06 Middletown Journal:

No deal: Locked-out union rejects AK's 'final' offer

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — The 210-day-old lockout of 2,100 hourly workers at AK Steel Corp. will continue after its largest union voted Monday night to reject the company's final contract offer.

Many of the locked-out steelworkers said they were insulted by the contract AK Steel proposed late Friday afternoon, and they showed it by casting dissenting ballots in what was arguably one of the most critical labor contract votes in Middletown's history. Union leaders said 1,768 members participated in the nine-hour voting session, however they would not release a breakdown of the tally.

Now, after seven months, members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers/Armco Employees Independent Federation Local Lodge 1943 appear no closer to going back to work than they did on March 1 when the lockout began.

"We're going to contact the company and ask for negotiations," said Jim Tyler, Machinists spokesman. "We hope it's soon."

AK Steel officials confirmed they were contacted by the union's top negotiator Monday, however they would not speculate about what the future might hold.

Rejection cheered; lockout continues

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — Hundreds of Middletown steelworkers cheered triumphantly Monday night when they heard the 210-day labor dispute — now keeping them 50 feet from their jobs' entrance — will go on with no end in sight.

A short timeline for membership approval, return-to-work procedures and other contract issues will continue the lockout of nearly 2,100 hourly employees at AK Steel Corp.'s Middletown Works.

Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers/Armco Employees Independent Federation Local Lodge 1943 will staff picket duties into this labor dispute's eighth month.

An automated message sent out by the union's executive committee early Monday urged the rank-and-file members to reject the contract at the ballot box later that afternoon, union officials said.

Among the issues the union said kept a majority of the 1,768 voters Monday from supporting the company's final offer were the return-to-work agreement, the potential for contracting out work, employee security and the proposed pension plan. The union would not disclose the vote's final tally.

But AK Steel countered, saying the latest contract was "fair and equitable" for both the union and the company.

Return-to-work agreement, pension plans among reasons for contract rejection

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — Since hundreds of Middletown Works hourly employees descended upon their headquarters early March 1 and urged their leaders to remain strong for the future, this lockout has been about signing a better contract with AK Steel Corp., union officials have said.

What was offered at 2 p.m. Friday by AK Steel negotiators was better than what was proposed when bargaining began on Nov. 30, 2005, said union president Brian Daley. And it was comparable to that which was offered to AK's Ashland Works plant, too.

But this latest contract offering — one the company calls its "final" — had points "sticky" enough for a majority to reject it Monday.

Jim Tyler, spokesman for the nearly 2,100 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers/Armco Employees Independent Federation Local Lodge 1943, said the main issues holding back a resolution were the stipulations under which the union employees would return to work, the company's ability to contract out work, employment security and pension plans.

Area leaders 'surprised,' 'disappointed' with rejection

By Ed Richter

Staff Writer

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — Local officials hoped Monday would mark the end of a seven-month contract dispute between AK Steel Corp. and its largest union. Instead, they received the "disappointing" and "surprising" news that the lockout of nearly 2,100 hourly workers at Middletown Works would endure.

Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers/Armco Employees Independent Federation Local Lodge 1943 voted Monday to reject what AK Steel officials had called the company's "final offer." Now, many city and county officials wonder if and when the labor dispute will end.

"I'm surprised that it failed," said Middletown City Manager Bill Becker. "I kind of thought ... a contract proposal and voting would have ended it.

Mayor Bob Wells said he knows many locked-out workers want and need to get back to work and that AK Steel wants to achieve its goal to be more competitive.

September 28, 200618 yr

From the 9/27/06 Middletown Journal:

Most agree, lockout hurting economy

City looking at eventual loss of tax revenue from smaller work force at Middletown Works.

By Ed Richter

Staff Writer

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — If and when the lockout of nearly 2,100 union members at the AK Steel Corp.'s Middletown Works ends, local government and business leaders say economic recovery will take some time.

Haley Hollan, manager of Sloan's Market on Highland Street, said she didn't know how long it will take for the neighborhood store to recover if the lockout ends.

"It did a lot of damage to our business," she said. "We changed our hours because of the slower business."

She said that 75 percent of her business was from AK Steel employees stopping in. Since the lockout began, business is down 40 percent.

"It really hurt us bad," Hollan said. "We're still going and getting by."

Most of the store's employees have had their hours reduced, she said.

September 28, 200618 yr

AK needs to somehow decertify the union and proceed with a nonunion workforce.

Is there actually a process of decertifying a union? If so, how does a company go about it?

September 30, 200618 yr

From the 9/28/06 Middletown Journal:

Locked-out AK workers abandon Wicoff Street gate

Union members in dispute involving nails, slurs with firefighters; IAM-AEIF members say replacement workers may be to blame.

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Thursday, September 28, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — AK Steel's locked-out union abandoned picketing at the plant's Wicoff Street gate entrance this week after a dispute with the Middletown Division of Fire, city and company officials said Wednesday.

Fire officials report they have had problems with union members stationed at the gate along Roosevelt Boulevard — about 25 feet from the front door of the department's headquarters — since July, when nails began appearing on the tires of personal and emergency vehicles.

Deputy Chief Dennis Sorrell said at least three personal vehicles and several pieces of equipment have been damaged from nails in the entrance and left turn lane on Roosevelt. He also said many of his firefighters have been yelled at by union members using racial and sexual slurs.

"We've been having problems for several weeks," Sorrell said. "This has gone on for some time."

A representative from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers/Armco Employees Independent Federation Local Lodge 1943 said Wednesday he was unaware of any such activities or the stoppage of picketing activities at the gate.

September 30, 200618 yr

Both from the 9/29/06 Middletown Journal:

Locked-out workers reject AK contract by 230 votes

Union president calls margin 'substancial difference; AK Steel says 116 votes the other way would have changed the outcome.

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Friday, September 29, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — The vote on AK Steel Corp.'s final offer to its locked-out union was rejected by 230 votes, according to a tally released Thursday by International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers/Armco Employees Independent Federation Local 1943.

The union initially refused to release the vote count, which showed that 998 members had voted to reject the proposal versus 768 members who wanted to accept it and return to Middletown Works. But they changed their minds Thursday, releasing the data publicly to "clear up misinformation" that has been reported about the vote.

Within minutes of the union's announcement, AK Steel released its own statement with the heading "116 Votes Would Have Changed Outcome." Alan McCoy, vice president of government and public relations, noted there were some reports the proposal was voted down by "an overwhelming majority."

Locked-out AK workers trade picket line for Middfest

Union members help prepare city for annual festival.

By Ed Richter

Staff Writer

Friday, September 29, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — Middfest International traditionally has received help from employees at AK Steel Corp. since the multi-cultural festival began more than a quarter-century ago.

That tradition has continued as a number of locked-out Middletown Works employees have been helping to prepare Donham Plaza for the annual festival, which begins today.

Bryan Colton, who was volunteering at Middfest Thursday morning at Donham Plaza, was among several members of the International Association of Machinists/Armco Employees Independent Federation Local 1943 responding to the union?s request to help with festival preparations.

Colton said some union members who had been picketing at AK Steel?s Wicoff Street gate were was asked by union leaders if they could help out at Middfest since that picket line was closed Wednesday by the union.

October 6, 200618 yr

From the AP, 10/3/06:

AK Steel lockout's ripple felt across Middletown area

By Terry Kinney

Associated Press

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — The lockout at AK Steel's Middletown Works, which entered its eighth month Sunday, isn't just a battle between a company and its union workers.

The effects of the lockout, which already has resulted in the loss of hundreds of jobs, are spreading across the community, which has been home to steelmaking for more than a century. Small businesses are feeling the hurt, and the city government faces cutbacks in police and firefighters.

Like other industrial towns across the Midwest that have been hurt by plant reductions or closings in recent years, Middletown has been struggling financially, and voters will be asked next month to approve an increase in the city income tax.

"Overall, revenue is down about $500,000 compared with the same time last year," City Manager Bill Becker said. "That's not all because of AK; we lost a major construction business last year. We've been losing revenue for several years."

October 6, 200618 yr

Both from the 10/4/06 Middletown Journal:

Temporary restraining order on until Oct. 24

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — AK Steel Corp. and its hourly work force union agreed Tuesday to continue a temporary restraining order on picketing activities outside Middletown Works.

Order extended

A court hearing was scheduled for this morning to consider a more permanent form of the temporary restraining order, which prohibits locked-out workers from staging mass pickets and engaging in threatening language or behavior.

The 14-day temporary restraining order is extended to Oct. 24, according to AK Steel officials, when another hearing likely will be scheduled.

AK retirees left out of lawsuit over health care

Pensions reduced for 125 retired steelworkers; CARE refuses to state reason.

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — Former AK Steel Corp. employee William Wagner was left off the list of retirees who would have been saved from reductions in company-provided health care benefits.

On Sunday, Wagner, 75, lost one-third of his monthly pension as a result of AK Steel's decision that retirees shoulder more of their health care costs. His dental and vision plans are now no more than a piece of paper.

"It kind of upset me that they would discriminate against us (125) people," Wagner said. "It creates a bit of a hardship."

Of the nearly 4,500 AK Steel retirees, 125 felt the financial pinch Sunday of the company's scheduled health care benefits changes despite a court ruling late last month.

According to court records, the salaried non-exempt workers were purposefully left out of a preliminary injunction filed by retired employees earlier this year, which would have kept their benefits stagnant.

On Sept. 22, a judge for the U.S. District Court in Cincinnati issued a preliminary injunction that barred AK Steel from reducing benefits for retirees, which were scheduled to become effective Sunday.

Shortly after AK Steel's announcement of the changes in June, Concerned AK Steel/Armco Retired Employees filed a lawsuit that claimed the company violated prior agreements negotiated while employees were still a part of the Armco Employees Independent Federation union.

The company has said it must relieve itself of the financial weight of retiree health care costs in order to stay competitive.

The lawsuit filed by CARE in July includes two classes of workers: hourly and salaried retirees.

But, when it came time to stop the company from making immediate changes through a preliminary injunction, the "salaried affiliates" of the original lawsuit were excluded.

October 10, 200618 yr

Both from the 10/6/06 Middletown Journal:

AK Steel likely to present another proposal to locked-out union

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Friday, October 06, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — The so-called "final" contract AK Steel Corp. offered last month to its hourly work force union may not be its last.

In fact, the company must provide a way to end the eight-month lockout when negotiations are scheduled to resume Tuesday following a two-week "cooling off" period, according to a National Labor Relations regulation.

That may mean another contract proposal, a company official said Thursday.

"Practically speaking, when the cooling-off period has ended, we would have a contract proposal to the union that would end the lockout," said Alan McCoy, the company's vice president of government and public relations.

On Sept. 22, AK Steel provided to the executive committee of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers/Armco Employees Independent Federation what it called its "final" offer, with a three-day deadline for an answer to its proposal.

Court must decide if excluded AK retirees entitled to relief

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Friday, October 06, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — The group of AK Steel Corp. retirees now paying for health care benefit changes proposed by the company earlier this year may see some relief — eventually.

Approximately 125 salaried non-exempt retirees were impacted on Sunday by health care benefit reductions the steelmaker announced in June.

In response to the announced changes, a group of retirees — led by the Rev. Michael Bailey, president of Concerned Armco/AK Steel Retired Employees — filed a lawsuit in July that sought class action status for more than 4,500 retired employees who do not share in the cost of their health care benefits, except for co-payments for office visits and prescription drugs.

Before the changes took effect Oct. 1, a preliminary injunction was awarded by a U.S. District Court judge that prevented AK Steel from changing benefit plans for retired hourly workers pending the outcome of the court case.

Salaried non-exempt and hourly employees are included as plaintiffs in the civil suit; however, those retirees were left off the preliminary injunction because "we just didn't have all the facts and the means to file anything on behalf of those folks," said Sally Tedrow, of the Washington D.C.-based O'Donoghue and O'Donoghue law firm, and lead attorney on the case.

AK Steel has said about 70 percent of its retirees companywide share, "in a significant way," in the cost of their health care benefits.

The group of salaried non-exempt retirees "are still very much in the case, and ultimately the judge will decide on the merits," Tedrow said. "And, at that point, if we prevail, they would be entitled to relief."

Tedrow said if the case is won in court, those who already have seen pension reductions would be given refunds.

Tedrow would not speculate on the case's timeline — it's still in the discovery phase following an appeal of the preliminary injunction by the company — nor whether an additional preliminary injunction would be filed on behalf of the salaried non-exempt retirees.

October 10, 200618 yr

What's up with this guy?

Sheriff's ad irks AK executive

By Mary Lolli

Staff Writer

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

HAMILTON — Butler County Sheriff Richard K. Jones has raised the ire of AK Steel officials with a newspaper advertisement urging the company to put an end to the ongoing lockout of union employees at its Middletown Works.

Now, the company is threatening to pull its sponsorship of the Buckeye Sheriff's Association's annual conference, Jones said.

AK Vice President of Governmental and Public Relations Alan McCoy said the company had not yet committed funding to the conference, but would now have to reconsider that request given the sheriff's position blaming the company for the lockout, which began March 1.

According to Jones, McCoy called his office "first thing Monday morning" to discuss the ad.

"He was curt and was perturbed that I would run an ad that he believed was biased against the company," Jones said of his telephone conversation with McCoy. "The ad said everyone loses, and that includes the company.

"But the fact is that the company does hold the keys to ending the lockout. That's why it's called a lockout and not a strike. The company locked out its workers. They didn't walk out on the job."

Jones said his conversation with McCoy was cut short after McCoy threatened to withdraw corporate support for the Buckeye Sheriff's Association.

October 15, 200618 yr

From the 10/10/06 Middletown Journal:

Steelmaker expected to present contract proposal

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — Representatives from AK Steel Corp. and its hourly work force union are scheduled to meet at 1 p.m. today, during which time the company is expected to deliver another comprehensive contract proposal.

Company officials would not say whether this contract would be its "final."

Why this proposal?

According to national labor regulations, any company involved in a labor dispute with a union must provide a means to end the dispute.

October 15, 200618 yr

All from the 10/11/06 Middletown Journal:

AK submits 'clarified' contract offer

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — AK Steel Corp. provided its hourly work force union Tuesday with another version of last month's final contract proposal, "with clarification on several elements" of concern among steelworkers.

At a negotiation session Tuesday, which lasted less than an hour, the company delivered virtually the same document offered to the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers/Armco Employees Independent Federation Local Lodge 1943 on Sept. 22, but with a few changes.

On Tuesday, union officials said it was "too premature" to discuss any ratification vote because "(Tuesday) was still a work in progress," said Karl Heim, Machinists spokesman, although officials said Monday a ratification vote would be in order if they saw "improvements" to the Sept. 22 proposal, which was rejected by 230 votes.

"The employer has called the proposal a clarification," Heim said. "We understand that. We also understand that it is always beneficial that, until a conclusion is reached, we will continue working."

Machinists say union's executive committee undermining negotiations

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — The executive committee of the local union involved in a labor dispute with AK Steel Corp. has undermined the chance of returning more than 1,800 steelworkers to their jobs, an international official said Tuesday.

However, the president of the local lodge of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers/Armco Employees Independent Federation disputes that statement.

On four occasions, the executive committee — in public displays — either has acted without the approval of the international or in contrast with their intentions to get back to work 1,875 men and women who have been locked out of AK's Middletown Works since March 1.

• Sept. 22: When the company provided the union with its "final" contract offer, the executive committee refused to endorse the proposal, despite the Machinists' belief that it was a fair offer;

• Sept. 25: The executive committee sent out an automated message reminding rank-and-file members of their lack of endorsement of the contact and urged members to vote 'no' without letting the Machinists know of their plans;

• Sept. 28: The executive committee purchased an ad in The Journal detailing "Why the AK Steel Contract Offer Was Rejected." The ad discussed employment issues, the return-to-work proposal and included a phrase similar to one often used by AK Steel spokesman Alan McCoy, "AK Steel, in all that you do, tell the truth." The Machinists had no knowledge of the ad.

• Tuesday: The executive committee sent out a fax providing details of the latest bargaining session without the approval of the Machinists.

AK Steel, workers a long inch away from ending lockout

By Rick McCrabb

Columnist

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — What one AK Steel Corp. worker thought would last two weeks, and even joked he "enjoyed" the early days of the lockout, is no laughing matter in this city.

The AK lockout has stretched into its 225th day — March 1, the first day of the lockout, seems like years ago — and if you listen to the workers sitting at the gates Tuesday afternoon, the union members and the company are less than an inch apart.

About the width of the contract's return-to-work agreement.

An 18-year Middletown Works employee, who wanted to remain anonymous, called the agreement an insult," then added, "it's a lot of garbage."

October 15, 200618 yr

From the 10/12/06 Middletown Journal:

AK: Changes unlikely to proposal

Locked-out union presents contract amendments to Middletown steelmaker; negotiators agree to meet again today.

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Thursday, October 12, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — Negotiators representing locked-out workers at AK Steel Corp.'s flagship mill Wednesday "tightened up" issues it had with the company's final offer.

The steelmaker said it will review the union's proposed contract amendments, but changes to its offer are not likely.

"While we've told the union in very clear terms that this is our final clarified offer, we intend to bargain in good faith," said Alan McCoy, AK's vice president of government and public relations. "AK Steel made it clear that it was not agreeing to, or implying that it would, modify its final contract proposal."

Negotiators scheduled another meeting for 10 a.m. today.

At Wednesday's negotiation session, which lasted about two hours, "The (union's executive) committee submitted proposals regarding all the issues that they are still trying to tighten up," said Karl Heim, grand lodge representative of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers/Armco Employees Independent Federation Local Lodge 1943.

AK Steel on Tuesday presented the union a "clarified" version of its final offer, which first was submitted Sept. 22 to the union and was rejected three days later by the rank-and-file in a ratification vote.

In AK Steel's latest proposal, which does not have an expiration date, steelworkers are guaranteed a 40-hour workweek after a one-week recall period.

Also, should the company decide to back out of the Machinists' pension plan, it must provide the union with "objective and credible evidence of serious funding problems" that would result from continued participation of the plan, according to McCoy.

October 15, 200618 yr

Both from the 10/13/06 Middletown Journal:

AK gives union a week to take contract

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Friday, October 13, 2006

The union representing locked-out workers at AK Steel's Middletown plant has until Thursday to make a decision on the company's latest proposal.

Should the offer be adopted by the union, members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers/Armco Employees Independent Federation Local Lodge 1943 would begin returning to work Oct. 26.

The company's "clarified final proposal" expires at 10 a.m. Thursday.

The steelmaker imposed a deadline because of the contents of the union's counterproposal submitted to AK Steel negotiators on Thursday, said Alan McCoy, AK Steel's vice president of government and public relations.

"We took a look at that and decided the best course of action would be to impose a deadline," McCoy said. "The union gave unrealistic demands that were contrary to AK Steel's long-standing bargaining positions and would have substantially increased costs and decreased operating efficiencies."

Machinists lead negotiator Jim Smith would not discuss specificts, but said "It's our obligation to continue to come to a resolution that will be fair to both sides."

The company's proposal, delivered Tuesday, calls for all union members to return to work by Jan. 23. Employees would be guaranteed a 40-hour workweek once they have completed their first week of recall.

AK Steel said until returning employees are scheduled for work, it would provide assistance funds of $300 per week.

The transition period would last through March 31.

Union leader stands behind ad, but denies writing it

By Ed Richter

Staff Writer

Friday, October 13, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — The author whose name appeared at the end of an advertisement published in Thursday's Journal said he did not write the comments that contradicted an earlier news story about tension between the unions representing locked-out AK Steel Corp. workers.

Karl Heim, grand lodge representative for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, said someone else wrote the content, but he stood behind what was published in the half-page advertisement. He said someone did read the contents to him Wednesday prior to publication.

As of Thursday night, Heim said he had not even seen the advertisement in the newspaper where he attempted to clarify statements he made to Journal staff writer Dave Greber in a story published Wednesday.

A source familiar with the IAM/Armco Employees Independent Federation Local Lodge 1943's Executive Committee said Heim denied making the statement in the news story and was asked to retract his comments for the good of the union.

When asked how he was going to fix the problem, Heim told the executive committee he would write something and run it in the newspaper.

October 15, 200618 yr

From the 10/14/06 Middletown Journal:

Locked-out union plans next steps

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Saturday, October 14, 2006

MIDDLETOWN — Negotiators for AK Steel Corp. and its hourly work force union came together Friday, however no formal bargaining took place, company officials said.

What's next?

The Friday morning meeting between the company and International Association of Machinist and Aerospace Workers/Armco Employees Independent Federation Local Lodge 1943 was meant to clear up any questions the group had about the offer.

Union representatives Friday did not return several calls seeking comment; however, on Thursday union officials said they likely would reach a decision on its next step during an executive committee meeting Friday.

October 17, 200618 yr

AK urging union to take offer

DAVE GREBER / HAMILTON JOURNAL NEWS

October 16, 2006

MIDDLETOWN - With an opportunity to end the eight-month lockout between AK Steel Corp. and its hourly work force union days away, the company is urging rank-and-file members to approve its latest offer.

In a recent advertisement, titled "One More Opportunity to Return to Work, " the company explained its version of the events of the past three weeks, during which time AK Steel has provided "final" and "clarified final" offers to the union for ratification votes.

Union members rejected the company's "final" offer on Sept. 25 by a 230 votes. The "clarified final" proposal will be put before rank-and-file members at 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.

If approved, steelworkers would begin returning to Middletown Works Oct. 26.

"Read the proposal. Decide for yourself. It is your opportunity to return to work," says the ad's final line.

While some union members are ready to return to the mill as soon as possible, others are standing by a decision to hold out for a better offer.

Read more here:

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2840 or [email protected]

http://www.journal-news.com/hp/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/10/16/hjn101706ak.html

October 19, 200618 yr

AK Steel workers repeat 'No'

Eight-month labor dispute set to continue

BY MIKE BOYER | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER

MIDDLETOWN - For the second time in less than a month, 1,800 locked-out workers at AK Steel's Middletown Works rejected what the company called its final contract offer, ensuring the eighth-month labor dispute, the longest and most bitter in the 100-year history of the steel mill, will continue.

Members of International Association of Machinists Local 1943 voted 1050 to 489 to reject the five-year contract proposal, which with a few changes, was identical to one rejected 998-768 on Sept. 25.

"We're disappointed, but we'll continue to do what we've been doing," AK spokesman Alan McCoy said.

The company has been operating the mill with about 1,800 management and replacement workers since the lock-out began Feb. 28.

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