U.S. Steel, USW agree to keep talking

The United Steelworkers union and U.S. Steel Corp. agreed late Wednesday to a last-minute extension to their labor contract that was set to expire at 12:01 a.m. Sept. 1 as the two sides continued to trade offers that the USW called “miles apart.”

The latest proposal from the 121year-old Pittsburgh-based steelmaker included wage increases of 13% over the life of the four-year contract, premium-free health care coverage, a $7,000 signing bonus and uncapped profit-sharing.

Calling the offer “substandard,” the union said it would continue to try to hammer out a deal covering 11,000 workers nationwide, including at the MonValley Works in Pittsburgh.

“We have worked under extensions in past rounds of negotiations and used that time to build even more pressure on the company and ultimately win good contracts,” the USW said in a statement Wednesday before announcing the extension.

“We continue to demand they recognize our work and sacrifices with real wage increases and a benefits plan that protects our families now and through retirement.”

The contract extension can be terminated by either side with a 48hour notice. The sides have been in talks for a couple of months.

“Under an extension, our jobs, wages and benefits are protected while we continue bargaining,” the USW said.

For its part, the company said it would “continue working with the USW in good faith to reach a mutually agreeable conclusion that is both responsible and best for all.”

Said the union: “USS is not even in the same ballpark with their offer. …We deserve a fair deal!”