Union files charge against company

The company has shown little interest in addressing issues, an official said.
WEATHERSFIELD -- United Steelworkers of America has filed an unfair labor practice charge against RMI Titanium, where more than 360 union workers have been locked out since October.
USWA, which represents production, clerical and technical workers at RMI, alleges the company broke the law when it refused to let the union examine its books or provide documentation for claims that the titanium mill is losing money. The charge was filed with the National Labor Relations Board.
"RMI is demanding millions of dollars in concessions without showing any evidence to support claims that the plant isn't profitable," said USWA Sub-District Director Gary Steinbeck.
If the NLRB finds the charge is justified, the union said, the lockout could be ruled illegal, and RMI could be forced to compensate the locked out workers for some back pay.
No comment
A company spokesman could not be reached to comment. RMI's policy since the lockout has been to comment only in the form of press releases.
Steinbeck said that despite somewhat regular meetings with management in recent weeks, the company has shown little or no interest in addressing the issues brought to the table by the Union.
Meanwhile, Todd Weddell, president of USW Locals 2155 and 2155-7, said members have distributed 1,000 yard signs supporting the union throughout Mahoning, Columbiana and Trumbull counties and have ordered 1,000 more. "Community support has been fabulous. It's just overwhelming sometimes," he said.