WHEATLAND TUBE Company: Union must share cost of health care
THE VINDICATOR, YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO
WHEATLAND, Pa. -- Wheatland Tube Co. officials are studying a health-care proposal offered by striking union workers, but the company probably won't consider it unless employees are willing to share some of the premium costs.
"We told the union even if we move to a different health plan we need premium sharing. We have flexibility on percentages, but we are asking them to share the costs," said Bill Kerins, vice president of operations for Wheatland Tube.
About 470 members of Local 1660 of the United Steelworkers of America walked off the job April 28 when their contract expired.
Federal mediator Patrick Mingarelli met with both sides Wednesday. No new talks are scheduled, Kerins said.
Union employees contend their proposed health-care package would save the company $1 million a year.
Kerins said no work is being done at the Wheatland plant while workers are on strike, but the company is shipping its product from other locations.