AK's Zanesville workers ratify new contract

While AK Steel remains at a stalemate with locked out Middletown workers, the company has negotiated and ratified a new contract with the union that represents its Zanesville workers. AK calls its new contract with the 200 hourly Zanesville workers, represented by the United Auto Workers Local 4104, a "new era" contract, which means fewer job classes, no guarantee on workforce size, shared healthcare expenses, and a switch from its defined-benefit pension plan to a per-hour company contribution. CEO James Wainscott praised the UAW for its speedy agreement: "I commend the leadership and the members of the UAW for recognizing and addressing the very real and significant challenges AK Steel faces against competitors who have gained cost advantages through the bankruptcy process." Meanwhile, the Armco Employees Independent Federation is still waiting to hear back from AK Steel about the contract the union proposed May 2. Mr. Wainscott told press Friday that more bargaining sessions with the AEIF are scheduled for this week.