SPECIAL METALS UPDATE Plant & Union Continue Negotiations
Reported by: Dave Benton
Videographer: Chris Mazivanhanga, Dan Matics
Web Producer: Dave Benton
Reported: Aug. 6, 2012 9:27 PM EDT
Updated: Aug. 6, 2012 9:57 PM EDT
EYEWITNESS ONLINE WEBCAST VIDEO C L I C K T O P L A Y
Huntington
, Cabell County
, West Virginia
Special Metals and the United Steelworkers are still at the table, negotiating a new contract. The current contract has been temporarily extended. Both sides are negotiating behind closed doors at the Pullman Plaza Hotel in Huntington.
At least 20 workers at the plant shop at Goldie's Market each day. Talk of a strike in the Guyandotte community is a concern for business owner Dave Christian. "We get a lot of local trade from the union workers. We have to stay in business, if they don't dome here it hurts."
Plant spokesperson Dwight Weber says the company plans to continue talks in good faith. Union representatives say health insurance premiums are the big issue for them. The company is asking them to pay higher premiums under a new contract.
Years ago, when Local 40 went on strike, the community rallied around union workers. Churches and pantries helped feed families on the picket line.
As much as Goldie's Market needs the union's business, Christian says over the years his family business has stepped up to the plate for the union and provided for them in times of need.
Eyewitness News asked folks in the community if the union should strike or just be thankful they have a job.
Colleen Jeffrey said, "Everybody should be glad they got a job. Jobs are scarce now."
Donna Hatfield says she thinks workers should hit the picket line to get what they want. "If you think you're right, fight for that."
Details with the proposed contract haven't been released.
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Dave Benton
