Since the expiration earlier this year of the previous labor contract between Bull Moose Tube and the United Steel Workers (USW), the company said in a press release that it has “met extensively” with union representatives in an effort to negotiate a new contract.
While the company said it achieved agreement with the union on many elements of a new contract, the parties have reached an impasse on two significant issues—wages and benefits—resulting in a lockout at the company.
During the negotiations, Bull Moose Tube proposed significant enhancements to the previous agreement.
“We believe our final proposal would secure current jobs and put the company in the best position to add additional jobs in the future while at the same time providing our employees a generous compensation package.”
However, the United Steel Workers rejected the company’s proposal, and while Bull Moose Tube said it remains “hopeful” the USW will accept the last offer and move on to finalizing a new contract, the company is “prepared to enact contingency plans, which we have put in place to ensure all Bull Moose Tube customers will continue to receive the same level of service – without interruption – they have come to expect from us.”