Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. and the United Steelworkers (USW) reached a tentative agreement for a new four-year labor contract that became effective on October 1. The new contract will cover approximately 1,800 USW-represented miners at Cliffs’ Tilden and Empire mines in Michigan, and its United Taconite and Hibbing Taconite mines in Minnesota.
“We are pleased to reach a new labor contract that is fair and equitable to both parties, and provides Cliffs a competitive cost structure for future success,” said Lourenco Goncalves, chairman, president and CEO, Cleveland-Cliffs. “This agreement once again reinforces that we have more in common with the USW than we have differences, and we look forward to continuing our strong partnership.”
“Cliffs acknowledges the sacrifices of our members during recent tough times and now that the industry is prospering, looks to give its dedicated workforce its fair share,” said USW International President Leo W. Gerard. “Cleveland Cliffs is a fundamental part of the steel industry, and we congratulate them for bargaining seriously to reach a fair agreement.”
The agreement is pending ratification by USW local union memberships.
