Possibility of strike at Steel of West Virginia

Over 400 union employees at Steel of West Virginia are working without a contract, and a strike may be imminent. Although it is not a major plant, a strike at Steel of West Virginia, which produces standard channels (5” and 6”), standard beams (3” to 6”) and wide flange beams (6”) according to ASTM A36 and ASTM A572 Grade 50, could generate some shortage in the immediate region, as US production is already having a hard time keeping up with strong demand for structural products. The old labor contract expired Sunday afternoon, with Steel of West Virginia, a subsidiary of Steel Dynamics Inc., still honoring the previous contract until a deal is reached. The company put a deal on the table Friday, but the union swiftly rejected it. The two sides have been in negotiations for a new contract since April. The company's “last, best, and final offer” Friday included a $2 per hour wage increase over the course of the four year contract, the requirement for workers to contribute to their insurance premiums, reduction of package benefits, and the right for the company to change the plan at their discretion. Other sticking points include the company's refusal to specify which jobs fall into which wage classifications, and company wanting union work in Wurtland, KY to be performed by outside contractors. Union members have been given the authority to strike if necessary.