Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., which owns and operates steel plants in the United States announced on August 27th that it has reached a tentative agreement with the United Steelworkers (USW) on a new four-year labor contract that will be effective on September 1st (pending approval by the USW membership). The new contract will cover 12,000 USW-represented employees at 13 facilities across the United States, including the one in Conshohocken (Plymouth Township).

Lourenco Goncalves, chairman, president, and CEO of Cleveland-Cliffs said, “Our employees are the heart and soul of Cleveland-Cliffs. The USW is a partner and an ally, and we look forward to sharing in our future success together. This agreement allows us to do just that, while keeping our cost structure highly competitive.”

According to a press release from the USW, the tentative agreement improves current wages, bolsters existing health insurance provisions for workers and retirees without increasing costs, and includes a commitment for Cliffs to invest $4 billion in USW-represented facilities over its term.

“Our tentative agreement with Cliffs management recognizes the vital role Steelworkers have played in the company’s success,” shared David McCall, international vice president (administration) of USW. “The proposed contract provides important economic and contract language improvements that will improve working conditions along with the standard of living for USW members and their families.”

“Our plants will continue to be safer and our jobs and benefits more secure under the proposed agreement,” continued McCall. “Cliffs has committed to a plan to invest in its USW facilities that will improve production, create sustainable jobs for USW members and ensure success for the company.”