FROM YOUR AEIF EXECUTIVE BOARD
April 20, 2006
Following a day of preparation, the parties are scheduled to continue negotiations this afternoon at 2:00 p.m. Negotiations have been difficult, but despite the best efforts of the Company to mischaracterize our position publicly, we will continue to maintain our demands for an equitable agreement, and we are optimistic.
We see little sense debating the “definition” of “industry standard contract language” with a company that does not dispute its most recent “global proposal” is below industry standards, however AK Steel may choose to define those standards.
AK Steel bills itself as “The Industry Leader” - the industry leader in safety, quality, and productivity. AK Steel takes ample opportunity to boast of the industry records set and awards received by the Middletown Works. Unfortunately, AK Steel has chosen to jeopardize safety, quality, and productivity, as well as our customers and investors, by locking out the very same workers who set those records. The locked out workers of the Middletown Works are not sub-industry; they are extraordinary. They deserve an equitable agreement.
On The Picket Line
A few reminders:
On occasion, we find ourselves overstaffed at certain gates while understaffed at others. Captains: if your gate is well staffed, contact the Union Hall and redeploy your picketers to assist at the Hall or at other gates.
When picketing, do not block or approach vehicles entering or exiting the plant. Do not align yourselves with picket signs in a row or similar manner, which may obstruct the vision of drivers entering or leaving the gate. Children are not permitted on the picket line, but are always welcome at the Union Hall.
We continue to encourage our members to honor and respect our community and police. THE AEIF DOES NOT ENCOURAGE, CONDONE, OR SUPPORT ANY UNLAWFUL ACTS OF VIOLENCE OR MISCONDUCT.
If you have any questions, please speak with your picket captain.
- Your AIEF Executive Committee
