Union at Astro files complaint

THE VINDICATOR, YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO
STRUTHERS -- The striking union at Astro Shapes says it has filed an unfair labor practice charge against the company.
United Steelworkers of America Local 9401 said the company improperly bypassed its negotiating committee by posting a contract proposal on the company Web site without bringing it to the bargaining table.
Bob Cene, company vice president, declined to comment, saying he hadn't been notified of the charge.
The union said the charge was filed with the National Labor Relations Board. When charges are filed, the NLRB investigates whether federal law was violated and can seek remedies.
Company and union negotiators are to meet Wednesday in an effort to settle the strike, which began Nov. 5. The union says it wants new contract language to prevent jobs being lost to subcontractors.