Oregon Steel progressing in labor dispute of 6 years

Oregon Steel progressing in labor dispute of 6 years

After two years of negotiation with USWA (United Steelworkers of America), last week, Portland based US mini mill Oregon Steel Mills, Inc has finally reached to a tentative agreement with respect to the ongoing labor dispute since 1997. The dispute arose as member workers of USWA went on a strike in October 1997 due to unfair labor practices right after Oregon Steel took over a controlling stake in Rocky Mountain Steel Mills (RMSM), former CF&I Steel. Oregon Steel rejected to reinstate the workers when the strike ended three months later. In May 2000 National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) decided that workers will be reinstated and receive their back payments. However, Oregon Steel appealed the decision, prolonging the dispute. The proposed agreement requests reinstatement of former workers while keeping the current employee, certain pension improvements and back payment. It has to be approved by necessary authorities including board of Oregon Steel, share holders of its subsidiary RMSM, and NLRB. In addition to the approval of the proposed agreement which is expected to cost almost $32 million, a new collective bargaining agreement covering a wage increase around 10% will be made between RMSM and USWA.