United Steelworkers leaders plan to crisscross the country to meet with local unions before opening contract negotiations with the nation's steel and iron ore companies in early summer.
Labor contracts between 35,000 Steelworkers and domestic steel and iron ore companies expire Sept. 1.
But before sitting down at the bargaining table with companies such as Mittal Steel USA, U.S. Steel and Cleveland-Cliffs, United Steelworkers officials say they plan to meet in March and April with executive boards and grievance committees of unions in states such as Minnesota, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Indiana.
"One of the reasons I am doing this is to hear from our people, so we can understand what the problems are,'' said Tom Conway, United Steelworkers vice president. "I think it will help build some unity and solidarity going into bargaining and allow us to hear what is going on in all the different locations [locals].''
About 3,500 USW-represented miners work at five Northeastern Minnesota taconite plants.
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At times, labor negotiations affecting Northeastern Minnesota's miners have become contentious and led to strikes.
However, domestic steel producers and iron ore companies that survived an industry downturn at the turn of the decade have been recording record revenue.
"The union stepped forward when it had to,'' Conway said of labor agreements during troubling times. "There are a lot of bosses who look smart today because of what we did. Now, we are going to fix some of the problems and they need to understand that.''
In December, USW leaders from across the country met in Pittsburgh for a two-day basic steel conference.
However, USW leaders say they want to further define issues.
USW district directors, key staff members from the USW office in Pittsburgh and Conway would take part in the visits, Conway said.
"Like a company, a local in one area could be doing well and another in a different area struggling,'' Conway said. "I want to get a local flavor of who is doing what and where.''
The union president of a Northeastern Minnesota USW local says he's pleased with the plan.
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"I think it's a good idea,'' said Ray Pierce, president of Local 6115 at Mittal Steel USA -- Minorca Mine in Virginia. "That way you get it right from the bottom up rather than hearsay.''
Among the top bargaining issues will be pensions and health-care benefits for current workers and retirees. Wages and contracting work to private companies also are expected to be key topics.
"There are a lot of local issues at the different plants, including working conditions, respect and dignity in the workplace, and differences in pensions,'' said Gerald Dickey, a USW spokesman in Pittsburgh. "The best way to understand the issues and prepare for national talks is to get out and meet with the local unions.''
Contract negotiations with the companies could begin in May, said Conway, the USW's lead negotiator with U.S. Steel.
"That's a little early,'' Conway said. "But if the companies want to get a labor agreement, avoid the problem of building inventory and send their customers a signal that there won't be disruptions, that would be a good thing for us,'' Conway said.
Industry analysts anticipate that steelworkers would begin negotiations by first talking with Mittal Steel USA, a subsidiary of ArcelorMittal, the world's largest steelmaker.
A labor agreement with Mittal could set the pattern for other contracts.
LEE BLOOMQUIST can be reached weekdays at (800)368-2506, (218)744-2354 or by e-mail at lbloomquist@duluthnews.com .
