AK Steel extends contract with Ashland workers

AK Steel extends contract with Ashland workers

AK Steel and the local chapter of the United Steelworkers of America (USWA) in Ashland, Kentucky have agreed to extend their current labor agreement with workers at the company’s Ashland Works plant. The current contract with the 750 hourly workers represented by the Local 1865 will extend for ten days after its scheduled expiration on Thursday so negotiations for a new contract may continue. All terms and conditions of the contract will be extended and all planned work at the plant will continue while negotiations proceed. “We're focused on reaching an agreement,” AK Steel spokesperson Alan McCoy told SteelOrbis. “We've made substantial progress and we believe that the additional time will allow us to reach an agreement.” In a press release issued this afternoon, Tom Conway, USW International Vice President and chief negotiator said, "We've developed a framework agreement that deals with the company's long-term financial concerns while addressing the union's concerns on job security." "We're moving forward and we are confident that we can get an agreement," Conway said. "We just need a little more time and that's why we're extending the contract." It is not immediately clear what will happen if the company and union do not arrive at an agreement before the ten-day extension expires. AK Steel’s coke department in Ashland will not be affected by the current negotiations. AK Steel produces flat-rolled carbon, stainless and electrical steel products as well as carbon and stainless tubular steel products for the automotive, appliance, construction and manufacturing markets.