United Steelworkers File Unfair Labor Practice Charges Against Latrobe Specialty Steel for Illegal

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/united-steelworkers-file-unfair-labor,392104.shtml

PITTSBURGH, May 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Union workers locked out at Latrobe Specialty Steel have filed with the National Labor Relations Board an unfair labor practice charge stating that the lockout, begun on May 9, 2008, is unlawful.

Union members voted on May 8 to end the strike that began on May 1, but management flatly rejected that proposal.

The charge, filed on May 12 on behalf of 360 locked out employees also stated that Latrobe Specialty Steel unlawfully terminated workers' health insurance benefits when the union began a strike on May 1; has engaged in unlawful surveillance of peaceful picketing activity; has failed to provide relevant information to the union, and; has generally bargained in bad faith.

Members of USW Local 1537, who produce specialty steel primarily for the aerospace industry, have been attempting to negotiate a new labor agreement with the company, but they say management insists that future employees receive less.

"The members of our union are willing to sit down at any time and negotiate a new labor agreement," said USW Local 1537 President Kevin Caruso. "We've offered to return to work in order to address the company's expressed desire to continue supplying its customers, but management refused this offer. The lockout is unlawful in light of the company's bad faith bargaining, and we'll work with the National Labor Relations Board to prove our case. Despite management's illegal activities, our members' solidarity remains strong."

SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW)