The local United Steelworkers Union and New Page have been in contract negotiations for over two years
ESCANABA -- Could a strike be on the way for employees at the New Page Paper Mill in Escanaba? Well, tensions are building between the company and the local United Steelworkers Union.
The union's been without a new contract for over two years. Union officials say a strike is their last resort, but they're prepared for one. If they get a final proposal from New Page that they don't agree with, then a strike might be the next step, which would involve 805 employees at the mill.
Steelworkers have vented their frustrations on the picket lines in recent weeks, and Wednesday, they held a small press conference to update the public on their future plans. Union officials say they have made progress in the negotiations with New Page, including 39 tentative agreements. But they say possible job cuts and safety concerns remain major sticking points.
"This is not an economic battle," explained Union President, Bryon Branstrom. "We've accepted what the company has to offer as far as economics, as far as wage increases and pensions. All we ask is they go home the same way they came to work."
Although the union says it's prepared for a strike, Branstrom feels both sides will have failed if it comes to that. Of course, New Page officials don't want a strike either, and they insist safety remains their top concern, as well. They're hopeful an agreement can be reached without drastic measures.
"Our goal continues to be to get a contract that's mutually acceptable between the company and the union," said New Page Community Affairs Manager, Kelvin Smyth.
On October 18, union officials will meet at the Steelworkers Union headquarters in Pittsburgh to discuss strategies and the future of the company. After that, they hope to head back to the negotiation table.
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