Unionized workers of ATI, including those at Lockport’s Specialty Rolled Products facility on Ohio Street, rejected a new six-year labor agreement this past Monday.
The company and the United Steelworkers, which represents the employees, instead agreed to extend its expired agreement through April 30 as negotiations continue, having reached a tentative deal on Feb. 28. These negotiations also cover its facilities in Western Pennsylvania.
Of the reported 1,000 ATI workers that the union represents, 80 in Lockport would be covered by the contract. ATI spokesperson Natalie Gillespie said that the facility produces nickel melt for use in aerospace and defense applications.
“We were disappointed to learn that one of two ratification votes for this labor agreement was unsuccessful,” Gillespie said, with a facility in Albany, Oregon having recently approved a six-year deal. “We look forward to getting back to the table to understand what’s needed to reach a contract that keeps ATI on the path of stability and consistency and enables us to continue rewarding our team.”
Members from the Buffalo USW office did not respond to request for comment in time for publication. Bernie Hall, the District 10 director for the union, told the Buffalo News their bargaining committee will be focused on securing improvements the steelworkers there have earned and deserve.
A press release from ATI stated that, “In the coming days, negotiations will reconvene toward reaching an agreement that keeps ATI on the path of stability and consistency, enabling us to continue operating and rewarding our team.”
The Lockport workers were among 1,300 that picketed against ATI in 2021, which went from March 30 to July 13 that year. The four-year contract that resulted from that strike lasted until this past Feb. 28.