Thomas threatens to trim pact offer

WARREN — Thomas Steel Strip said it will start to reduce its July 23 contract offer to the striking members of United Steelworkers Local 3523 if an agreement is not reached by Sunday.

Thomas Steel Strip issued its ultimatum in a statement today after negotiations Aug. 19 at which no progress was made, according to a company statement.

The company said it would start to reduce its proposal to offset costs associated with Local 3523’s strike, which began July 24.

Calls to the Niles United Steelworkers office were not returned.

Thomas Steel Strip said the purpose of the Aug. 19 negotiating sessions was to review each side’s analysis of their proposed five-year agreement.

Neither party made a new proposal.

The company said it presented a cost analysis of its July 23 offer. The union continued to question the company’s actuarial firm’s analysis of the union’s pension and retiree medical proposals.

For the complete story, see Tuesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.