Middletown union warms up to AK Steel offer

The union representing the locked out workers at AK Steel's Middletown Works are now embracing the terms outlined in AK's latest contract offer, which the union solidly rejected in October. The union president, Brian Daley, told the press that it is no longer opposed to outsourcing work, provided that the company won't use back-to-work physicals as a means to dismiss hundreds of longtime employees. Union leaders now endorse the company proposal, with only the addition of a medical grievance procedure during the callback period. However, the offer in question is no longer on the table, as the company withdrew the contract proposal after it was rejected by a 2-to-1 margin. Company spokesperson Alan McCoy told the press that it was meaningless for the union to endorse an offer that isn't even on the table. Mr. McCoy said the company will review the proposal, but added that no negotiations have been scheduled.