Steelworkers' pay cut will help plant reopen

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.thestar.com/Business/article/237034

Steelworkers' pay cut will help plant reopen

Jul 18, 2007 04:30 AM

Members of the United Steelworkers union have voted 93 per cent in favour of a labour agreement with U.S. firms Woodside Capital and Pinnacle Steel that cuts wages but will lead to the reopening of a trimmed-down Hamilton Specialty Bar, formerly Slater Steel.

The deal maintains benefits, vacations and recall rights, but in the period leading up to full production the workers have agreed to take a $3.75-an-hour cut in wages.

A union spokesperson said the lowest-paid employee will make just over $19 an hour, but incentive increases should occur quickly.

The new owners have agreed to begin recalling employees based on seniority. The plant, shut down in May by Delaware Street Capital, will operate three 12-hour shifts employing 120 workers, to start.

"We will never stop fighting to save jobs in this community," said USW co-ordinator Tony DePaulo. "It means so much to everyone to bring this facility back on line."