Alcoa announced December 27 that United Auto Workers Local 1050 has ratified a new four-year labor agreement that covers approximately 830 employees at Alcoa’s Cleveland Works facility. UAW represented employees will return to work January 2, 2007 following an eight-week strike. Salaried workers had been running the plant since the strike began November 6.
The new agreement addresses key issues identified by both sides during negotiations, which began September 1. The new contract creates a framework that:
· Improves the competitiveness of Alcoa Cleveland Works;
· Preserves the standard of living for employees through a competitive wage and benefits package;
· Introduction of new medical and prescription drug plans, which include employee cost sharing;
· Continues to provide health care coverage for retirees and limits the company’s long-term liability;
· Calls for annual wage increases and introduces a company match to the Alcoa 401(k) savings plan;
· Initiates a new attendance policy and limits overtime scheduling.
“Compromises were made by both Alcoa and UAW Local 1050 that have resulted in a fair and competitive multi-year labor agreement. We are very pleased to have a contract that will help make Cleveland Works more globally competitive and secure jobs here in
Alcoa’s Cleveland Works facility manufactures forged aluminum wheels for the heavy-duty truck and automotive markets, and forged products for the aerospace and industrial markets. Approximately 1,250 people support the
