McDonald workers approve 4-year pact

McDonald workers approve 4-year pact

McDONALD — Union workers at McDonald Steel will receive 3.5 percent annual pay raises under a new four-year labor contract.

Workers ratified the deal 82-3 Wednesday, said Chris Colello, president of Teamsters Local 377.

The economic package had been agreed to by company and union negotiators two weeks ago, but talks had stalled on discipline language, he said.

In the end, union negotiators were successful in inserting contract terms that ensures workers will be disciplined consistently, he said.

“The company got the message. They realized they needed to fix their relationship with their employees,” he said.

Bill Farragher, a company spokesman, said McDonald Steel officials had no comment.

The Teamsters and United Steelworkers of America jointly represent about 100 workers at the mill, which produces specialty steel shapes for a variety of industries.

The last contract expired June 30.

In addition to the pay raises, workers will receive a $540 bonus in December 2008, two personal days and an additional week of vacation, giving them a maximum of five.

Health-care insurance premiums will continue to be paid by the company, Colello said.