AK Steel locks out Middletown workers

Unable to reach a labor agreement with the union representing its Middletown employees, AK Steel locked out workers at the Middletown plant midnight Wednesday after their contract expired. By mid-morning, a small group of employees were picketing outside of the plant with signs that read, "United we stand." Company spokesperson Alan McCoy told press that the lockout was "something we had to do" and that the company will use temporary workers to continue filling orders until a contract is worked out with the union. The union, Armco Employees Independent Federation (AEIF), voted to strike last week in the event that a new contract wasn't reached, though Brian Daley, president of AEIF, maintains that the union was willing to keep working under the terms of the old contract, and the company declined. "We have been trying to do everything we can to get a contract," Mr. Daley said. AK was looking to strike up a deal with Middletown employees that was similar to the contract drawn up with Ashland Works, Kentucky employees earlier this year, a competitive contract that would freeze the company's pension plan, reduce the number of job classifications, reduce the work force, and increase employees' share of health care expenses. The company says it has to cut costs in these areas in order to remain competitive and continue serving customers. Union and company officials at AK Steel went back to the bargaining table at around 11:00 AM Wednesday. There is no word yet on how the talks are progressing.