Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. (Cliffs) and United Steelworkers (USW) have produced a tentative agreement for a new four year labour contract that becomes effective today. The new contract is to cover approximately 1800 USW-represented workers at Cliffs’ Tilden and Empire mines in Michigan, and its United Taconite and Hibbing Taconite mines in Minnesota.
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.’s Chairman, President and CEO, Lourenco Goncalves, commented: “We are pleased to reach a new labour contract that is fair and equitable to both parties, and provides Cliffs a competitive cost structure for future success. This agreement once again reinforces that we have more in common with the USW than we have differences, and we look forward to continuing our strong partnership.”
“Cliffs acknowledges the sacrifices of our members during recent tough times and now that the industry is prospering, looks to give its dedicated workforce its fair share,” said USW International President Leo W. Gerard.
“Cleveland Cliffs is a fundamental part of the steel industry, and we congratulate them for bargaining seriously to reach a fair agreement.”
The agreement is reportedly pending ratification by USW local union memberships. No additional details will be released at this time pending ratification.