U.S. Steel, local 1005 discuss new offer

For the first time in months, U.S. Steel and United Steelworkers local 1005 sat down together Tuesday.

The two sides met at an undisclosed location. CHCH News was told the company tabled a comprehensive proposal, and that the union is working on a response, and will counter some time next week.

The meeting was set up by a provincial mediator, so the company could table a settlement offer.

U.S. Steel locked out 900 workers from the former Stelco plant last November when they couldn’t agree on a new contract.

At issue is indexing pensions for retirees, and replacing the defined contribution pension plan with a new defined contribution plan for new hires. U.S. Steel and industry analysts argue defined benefit plans are seldom offered in the private sector.

The union has offered other pension concessions, and conceded to issues around vacation time and changes to the cost of living allowance.

CHCH News spoke to representatives from both sides. Neither side would give any information about what was in the company’s proposal.

Video: Adam Atkinson reports: