Wheatland Tube reaches pact with union at Chicago Division

WHEATLAND, Pa. -- Steelworkers employed at Wheatland Tube Co.'s plant here may still be on strike, but the company said it has reached an early contract settlement with Sheet Metal Workers International Local 73 at its Chicago Division.
Bill Kerins, vice president of operations, said the new Chicago pact runs for four years and takes effect July 1.
Kerins serves as corporate chief negotiator for all divisions of John Maneely Co., Wheatland Tube's parent company.
Details of the pact weren't released, but Kerins said that Chicago employees will pay part of their health insurance premiums.
That's been a stumbling block to negotiations with United Steelworkers of America Local 1660, which went on strike here April 28 as the union has refused to consider paying for part of employee insurance.
Kerins said the Chicago employees also have accepted a 401(k) savings plan that contains both a company match and company contribution in place of a traditional defined benefit pension plan.
That is also an issue in the local negotiations.