WHEATLAND As strike goes on, Wheatland, union plan to resume talks

WHEATLAND, Pa. -- Negotiations are scheduled to resume this afternoon between Wheatland Tube Co. and the union representing its 470 striking workers at an undisclosed location away from the plant site, a company spokeswoman said.
Federal Mediator Patrick Mingarelli called both sides together for talks to begin at 1:30 p.m., she said. These are the first scheduled talks between the company and United Steelworkers of America Local 1660 since the union members struck the company's headquarters plant here upon the expiration of their contract at 12:01 a.m. Monday.
Major unresolved issues are health care and pensions. The union has objected to a company proposal that workers begin contributing toward their health-care premiums. The company is also seeking to replace its pension plan with a 401K plan for future employees.
The company has idled the headquarters plant, which manufactures pipe, and said it intends to serve its customers through its other plants.