Forum Post: Union authorizes strike at Maysteel; contract talks continue

The union representing 300 employees at Maysteel LLC, in Allenton, says it could go on strike as early as Friday if labor negotiations fail to produce a contract.

Meanwhile, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters wants to take over representation of the Maysteel employees from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers that represents them now.

...Saturday, union members voted to reject a proposed three-year agreement that would have cut their pay 2% the first year and would have frozen wages the second and third years. Moreover, it would have increased employees' health insurance costs and would have reduced their vacation days.

"It would not be so bad, but in our last contract we lost our pension and our 401(k) match," said Jim Whetstone, Lodge 2053 secretary-treasurer.

Union employees have accepted concessions since 2003, said Jeff Liegl, an Allenton plant employee who was chairman of the Machinists' bargaining committee at the Mayville plant.

"Finally people are saying, 'Enough.' We just can't afford to take any more concessions," Liegl said.

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http://www.jsonline.com/business/nwmaysteel06-ar4ejlh-141441023.html