The Bargaining Committee just met for two days with the Company on non-monetary issues. There were two articles settled with improvements (Article 6.04 and Article 8.00). The Company and the Union have moved closer on a few other issues.
After the session was completed the Company informed the Executive Commitee of the order picture in coming months. According to the Company by mid October welding in spiral will be complete which will affect coil prep, the spiral mills, and yard employment levels. Two weeks after welding is complete the finishing lines should be done finishing the order. This is all expected to cause layoffs.
According to the Company the 2′ mill should go back to full production (4 shifts) when the steelmill can provide coils.
According to the Company the 24″ mill will be unaffected.
Steel side employment levels will depend on new orders of steel to replace the spiral orders (eg. service center orders)
According to the Company (today) the level of cutbacks will be up to 250 people in tubular. The Steel numbers as of today are uncertain.
We want to remind all members to remember that these types of events have happened in the past when orders are complete and that this is not just happening during or because we are in bargaining.