SHELBY — Steelworkers on the picket line in Shelby said they would rather be working Wednesday morning.
But reality along West Main Street for the past week has included barrels of burning firewood, tents to block the wind and signs reading “Fair Contract Now!”
United Steelworkers Local 3057 officially went on strike Jan. 13 at 11:59 p.m. amid ongoing contract negotiations with ArcelorMittal. Picketing outside of the Shelby steel company began almost simultaneously.
USW Local 3057 members have had a presence along West Main Street since the strike began, waving to travelers and holding signs — gestures receiving an occasional honk or wave back as drivers move on their way.
Steve Ackerman, a USW International representative, told Richland Source on Wednesday evening he and union representatives last met with company officials on Jan. 15. No other meetings have come since.
“There are things such as proposed language changes, work schedule changes, and health care changes that are the main focus (of contract negotiations) as of right now,” Ackerman said Wednesday.
“It is overwhelming to see the support USW Local 3057 is getting from the community. It is a shame to see such a good group of hard workers have to fight for a fair contract. The union is ready and willing to continue bargaining,” he said.
Ackerman and other union representatives met with company officials Jan. 12, but were unable to reach an agreement. The two parties did not meet the following day, launching USW Local 3057 into its strike the evening of Jan. 13.
Company officials have not commented regarding the contract issue.
Negotiations between the union and ArcelorMittal began Sept. 2 and employees have been working under an extension of their previous contract since Oct. 31, Ackerman said last week.
“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 previously.
There are about 450 ArcelorMittal employees in the bargaining unit, according to Ackerman. While on strike, those employees will forfeit their pay.
Shelby mayor addresses ongoing contract negotiations
During his report to council on Tuesday evening, Shelby Mayor Steve Schag addressed the ongoing situation at the city’s largest employer — still often locally referred to as the Tuby.
Schag said the city is recognized as the birthplace of the seamless tube industry in America.
“There exists today a dedicated workforce that is proud to carry on that tradition, producing high quality steel products that are distributed far and wide,” he said.
“ArcelorMittal is one of the largest producers of pipe and tube products in the world. They also are the largest employer in the City of Shelby and one of the largest employers in all of Richland County,” the mayor said.
ArcelorMittal has two locations in Ohio — one in Shelby and the other in Marion.
“Collectively, all across the board, the city has been blessed by the presence of the Tuby,” Schag said Tuesday. “We are praying for individuals on both sides of the negotiations table and for a mutually satisfactory contract agreement to be reached in a timely fashion.”
