The United Steelworkers union (USW) reached a tentative agreement over the weekend with Arconic that covers workers at four of its manufacturing facilities, including Arconic Davenport Works in Riverdale.
The Pittsburgh-based union announced the tentative agreement on a new three-year master agreement Saturday, May 16 – the day its prior contract was initially set to expire.
The proposed contract calls for 5%, 4% and 4% annual wage increases and no increase in healthcare premiums. If approved, it would replace the four-year contract union members ratified in 2022.
In a news release made available on Saturday, the USW International said details of the agreement will be presented to members before ratification votes are held by each local.
According to the USW Local 105, Bettendorf, multiple informational/business meetings are planned for Thursday, May 21, at the union hall at 880 Devil’s Glen Road. Union leaders will present the tentative agreement and answer members’ questions. The first meeting will be at 7:20 a.m. followed by meetings at 1:20, 3:20 and 6:20 p.m.
In addition to the Quad Cities steelworkers with Local 105, the proposed contract covers these Arconic locations:
- Lafayette Operations, Lafayette, Indiana.
- Tennessee Operation, Alcoa, Tennessee.
- Massena Operations, USW Local 420, Massena, New York.
On social media, Local 105 told members “Appreciate your patience while we get these summaries together for everyone’s review. Thanks you for your solidarity!”
Initially, the contract was set to expire at noon, Saturday, but that morning the USW Local 105 said the contract had been temporarily extended as bargaining continued. Workers were instructed to continue to show up for their scheduled shifts.
USW Local 105 announced on social media Friday night, May 15, that all the union’s key issues were still on the table and the goal was to reach a tentative agreement by the contract’s expiration.
“From the beginning of these negotiations, our members stood together and made clear that they were determined to secure a fair agreement that recognizes their hard work and dedication,” Emil Ramirez, USW International vice president and chair of the negotiating committee, said in the release Saturday.
“The solidarity shown by our membership across all four Arconic locations gave this committee the strength and unity needed to reach a tentative agreement that we are proud to bring back to the members,” he added.
The primary issues in this round of negotiations included disputes over wage structures, health care costs, retirement benefits and working conditions. Union members authorized a strike vote last week.
Mr. Ramirez also thanked the bargaining committee members and local union leadership, which had been engaged in negotiations since mid-April.
The USW represents 850,000 workers employed in metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in health care, public sector, higher education, tech and service occupations.
Earlier this year, Arconic Davenport Works celebrate the launch of a $175 million aluminum casting complex at its plant along the Mississippi River. Last September, the Quad Cities plant unveiled a new $57.5 million High Purity Aluminum facility, which will double its capacity for producing HPA locally, and eliminate the need for Arconic to import HPA from a foreign smelter.
