"While we are extremely disappointed that we have not reached agreement on a competitive new labor contract at Middletown, we will continue serving our loyal customers who have depended on us for 105 years," said James L. Wainscott, chairman, president and CEO of AK Steel. "Concurrently, we will continue to work toward negotiating a competitive agreement with the AEIF that helps us reach our goal of sustained profitability while providing competitive wages and benefits for employees and their families."
AK Steel said that its last comprehensive contract proposal included numerous provisions that would preserve and enhance wages and benefits while providing the company and employees with a new-era labor agreement consistent with its competitors and other AK Steel locations.
AK Steel said the AEIF has continued to make contract demands for both a minimum workforce size and individual employment security guarantees. The company said that the union's last contract demand would have increased AK Steel's employment costs at Middletown Works by approximately $150 million over the 38-month life of the union's proposal.
AK Steel produces flat-rolled carbon, stainless and electrical steel products, as well as carbon and stainless tubular steel products, for automotive, appliance, construction and manufacturing markets.
