USW negotiations continue as representatives report that progress had been made in the latest round of contract bargaining with US Steel. Negotiations between the two entities will continue and a strike will be avoided provided that gaps in asks from union members can be filled in a reasonable timeframe.

Currently, US Steel proposes an additional $145 healthcare premium per month to be used toward healthcare and dental coverage. Representatives for the USW negotiations calculated the lifetime cost to workers over the term of the agreement would total $10,440. The number would eat up the proposed wage increases from the USW and effectively put workers back at square one.

Key issues that remain to be resolved include health and dental costs, incentive pay, supplemental unemployment benefits, and disagreement on the use of a Voluntary Employees Beneficiary Association fund.

A picture of a steel production plant Like those where US Steel workers are considering organizing a strike.

USW Negotiations

US Steel released its most recent contract proposal publicly, which provides:

  • A $3,000 ratification bonus is to be paid within 30 days of contract ratification to employees accruing pension service as of Sept. 1
  • $3,000 bonus to be paid to the same category of employees as of Sept. 1, 2021.
  • Basic wage increases of 4% effective Sept. 1, 2018
  • increases of 3% on Sept. 1 of each year 2019 through 2023.

This marks the 4th consecutive week of contract negotiations between US Steel and the United Steelworkers Union.


Following this week’s announcement that US Steel workers voted in favor of strike approval, ArcelorMittal steelworkers across the region have mobilized in preparation for a strike authorization vote of their own. The vote will take place next week on Monday.

Members will meet with USW leaders at the meetings, where they will receive updates on the expected bargaining process, a rundown on strike rules, review benefits afforded to members during a strike, and, if deemed necessary, pursue strike authorization. A recently released update included the statement, “If significant progress is not made by early next week, we will return home to deliver detailed reports at membership meetings and seek your support for a strike authorization.”

If the strike is approved, the United Steel Workers Union members at ArcelorMittal locations throughout the United States could join US Steel steelworkers in a complete work stoppage in the event contract negotiations fall apart. USW officials and steel companies have been in contract negotiations for months leading up to the workers’ September 1st contract expiration date.

ArcelorMittal Steelworkers Unsatisfied With Proposed Terms

ArcelorMittal has earned the ire of steelworkers, who have not received a pay raise in three years, for proposing concessions that include hits to supplemental unemployment, incentive, vacation pay, hot-rolled steel bonuses, and health care. Union representatives communicated that these concessions could result in as much as an additional $8,000 per year in out-of-pocket health costs for the affected families.

a picture of steel rods like those produced by ArcelorMittal Steelworkers.

US Steel released its update on Wednesday of this week, saying, “We have submitted a revised proposal to USW leadership that reflects the ongoing dialogue during our most recent round of negotiations. The revised six-year proposal, which we strongly believe is in the best long-term interest of all U.S. Steel stakeholders, includes a 14% base wage increase over the term of the agreement, guaranteed profit sharing, and healthcare premiums offset with transition payments.”

Currently, U.S. Steel, ArcelorMittal, and workers are operating under contract extensions.

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