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Workers at Pechiney Rolled Products LLC in Jackson
County
will discuss
the terms of a
proposed contract
with union leaders
this week.
The aluminum plant
says the
sluggish economy has forced it to make
changes. The company laid-off 87 hourly
workers last week, with more expected.
Members of the United Steel Workers
Union Local 5668 are being asked to
approve a new two-year contract. It
includes concessions and options
for early retirement.
Top officials in the Steelworkers Union,
including International President Leo
Gerard, will discuss the terms of the deal
with retirees and current workers
in Ravenswood.
Local President Bill Hendricks says he
hasn't received many phone calls from
workers since they received the proposed
contract in the mail a few days ago.
Hendricks says he has questions about
the company's finances. He says
Pechiney spends money like it has a lot
of it.
Hendricks says Pechiney poured millions
of dollars into the plant so it could make
products for the aerospace industry.
The aerospace market has dried up
since September 11, 2001.
Hendricks says union workers at the
Ravenswood plant do an excellent job,
but the facility is poorly managed by
the company.
Union members are scheduled to vote on
the proposal Friday. The new contract would
expire May 31st, 2005. | 
