Machinist Union Wins At AK Steel

Of the 2,207 eligible voters in the AEIF bargaining unit, 1,056 voted in favor of IAM representation.
The USW received 790 votes and 10 ballots were cast to keep the AEIF as representative.
No votes were for “No Union” and the NLRB declared one ballot void.

“AEIF leaders contacted the IAM earlier this year seeking help to end the 5-month long lockout at AK Steel Corp.
and to explore the possibility of affiliating with the Machinists union,” said IP Tom Buffenbarger.
“Today’s victory gives each and every AEIF member a seat of honor inside the IAM, and an opportunity for a secure pension with the IAM National Pension Fund (NPF).”

AEIF members were locked out by AK Steel on Feb. 28 in a dispute over health care costs, work rules and finding a replacement for the company-managed pension plan.
IAM membership allows negotiators to propose a defined benefit pension under the IAM’s highly regarded multi-employer plan. AK Steel proposed to replace the current pension with a risk-based 401k plan.

“AEIF has a proud 63-year history representing generations of workers here in Middletown,” said AEIF President Brian Daley.
“Partnering with the IAM gives us the opportunity to preserve our traditions and to negotiate a pension plan that is worthy of the men and women in this community.”

“The IAM pledged to conduct a positive campaign and we delivered on that promise,” said IAM Eastern Territory Vice President Lynn Tucker, Jr.
“Despite efforts by the company to delay the election process, we look forward to quickly resolving the lockout and the issues that led to it.”