SHELBY, OH–U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) visited striking United Steelworkers (USW) in Shelby as they push ArcelorMittal North America to agree to a bargaining agreement that honors the Dignity of Work.
“All workers have the right to stand up for fair benefits and hours – and companies do better when they work collaboratively with the workers who make their businesses successful. Steelworkers worked seven days a week during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic to keep supply chains running, and now they are asking for fair benefits and fair hours. I urge ArcelorMittal to agree to a fair contract that honors the Dignity of Work and sets our steel industry and workers up for long-term success well into the future,” said Brown.
The workers at the Shelby facility worked continuously seven days a week throughout the pandemic, with few guaranteed weekends off. Two weeks ago, after ArcelorMittal abruptly ended contract negotiations, roughly 500 USW Local 3057 members went on strike.
Brown joined Brian Sealy, USW Sub-District 3 Director and Dwight Gregory, USW Local 3057 President at the picket line.
“The union is not trying to break the company, we just want a fair contract,” said Dwight Gregory, USW Local 3057 President.
“The company has repeatedly stated at the bargaining table they cannot afford our proposals and have to work within a budget but they have continuously refused to provide any financials to the union,” Brian Sealy, USW District 1 Sub-Director.“ This plant made approximately $15 million in net income for the months of July, August and September. It is time for the company to step up!”