Talks Break Down Between United Steelworkers Union, ATI

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- They were on the job today, but their future is uncertain after talks broke down between United Steelworkers and ATI.

United Steelworkers rejected a "last, best offer" from ATI, formerly Allegheny Ludlum.

Allegheny Technologies Inc. employs more than a thousand workers in our region, hundreds alone at their new Brackenridge hot rolling and processing facility.

How much longer they'll be working is the unanswered question.

"We're going to stand our ground and hope for the best," worker Kevin Boross said.

ATI isn't commenting and did not return KDKA's phone calls today, but the United Steelworkers say the company gave what it calls a final offer with a ratification deadline of 3 p.m. Monday.

The deadline has now passed and USW has been told by ATI quote, "The company reserves its right to take lawful action, including a lockout, for the purpose of supporting" it's position.

Something that did not sit well with workers at shift change.

"As far as I'm concerned, they're not negotiating, they're just laying down the rule for what they want and that's it," another worker said.

Those close to the negotiation say that ATI has dropped proposals for eliminating overtime pay and requiring 12-hour shifts but still wants workers to pay about $125 a month for health care. Something current workers and retirees don't like.

Dave Watson believes the union should fight, "Stay strong, I can't see them backing up to the 1930s or 1940s."

In a statement, the union says it wants to keep talking:

"We believe we've made significant progress in these talks and that there is ample opportunity for us to continue to do so. Unfortunately ATI continues to try to force us into accepting an agreement solely on its terms. We cannot and will not accept the company's recent ultimatum"

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