SHELBY — Steve Ackerman said United Steelworkers Local 3057 intends to carry out plans to strike at ArcelorMittal in Shelby effective at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday night.
Ackerman, a USW International representative, said Local 3057 notified ArcelorMittal of its intention to strike and its willingness to continue negotiations during that time.
On Monday morning, Ackerman said he met with ArcelorMittal officials to continue negotiating.
“So far, we’re not in agreement,” he told Richland Source on Monday afternoon. “If we don’t come to an agreement by 11:59 p.m. tomorrow (Tuesday) then we’ll officially be on strike.”
ArcelorMittal officials did not return calls to Richland Source seeking comment at the time of this story’s publication.
Ackerman said negotiations between the union and ArcelorMittal began Sept. 2 and that employees have been working under an extension of their previous contract since Oct. 31.
“We really haven’t taken a break,” Ackerman said.
What would a strike mean?
Ackerman defined the strike as a “work stoppage.”
“The biggest reason for us is our labor. If the company and the union can’t come to terms, then the union is basically forced to withhold their labor,” he said Monday.
There are about 450 ArcelorMittal employees in the bargaining unit, according to Ackerman. While on strike, those employees will forfeit their pay, he said.
“We just want a fair and reasonable contract,” Ackerman said.
As far as plans to picket, Ackerman said he expects there will be picketing “if it comes to that.” If picketing occurred, it would likely begin at the Union Hall, he said.
“We’re willing to keep meeting and negotiating. I don’t know if the company will be or not — I hope so,” Ackerman said. “Hopefully we can reach an agreement before tomorrow (Tuesday).
“We never want to have a strike. My job is to get an agreement,” he said.
About ArcelorMittal
According to the company’s website, ArcelorMittal’s Shelby plant is its largest facility in Ohio. The steel and mining company services markets around the world from 24 different operating locations in 13 different countries.
As of Dec. 31, 2024, the company reported it has 125,416 employees in the corporation.
“ArcelorMittal’s Ohio facilities in Shelby and Marion are key contributors to our global operations, producing high-quality steel products that serve customers across multiple industries,” the company’s website says.