Machinists union files petition to represent AK workers

The International Association of Machinists submitted signatures Friday from an estimated fifty percent of the Armco Employees Independent Federation (AEIF), representing the 2,700 locked out Middletown workers, to petition AK Steel to recognize the Machinists as the union's bargaining agent. The Machinists needed signatures on "show-of-interest cards" from 30 percent, or 810, of the union members, submitted to the National Labor Relations Board, in order to bypass a vote and ask the company to allow the Machinists to represent AEIF. AEIF is backing the plan in order to participate in the Machinists' multi-employer pension plan. Machinists spokesperson Jim Tyler told press he believes that more than 50 percent of the union members submitted signatures, which would be enough to bypass the election and go directly to the company for approval. The United Steel Workers (USW), however, is also vying for the position to represent the AEIF, though so far, the AEIF has rejected their offers. AEIF president Brian Daley has told press he believes that AK Steel and the USW are working together, as the company has unilaterally shared information with the Steelworkers on federation membership and bargaining positions. AK Steel claims they are neutral in regard to union representation. Contract talks between AK and the AEIF are scheduled to resume Tuesday.