Washington DC - Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that he has spoken to Allegheny Technologies (ATI) CEO Richard Harshman and United Steel Workers International President Leo Gerard regarding the ongoing lockout of 2,200 steelworkers at facilities in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Oregon, Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York. During the calls, Casey urged both sides to remain at the negotiating table and to pursue a fair deal that allows the workers to return to their jobs.
“The US Steel industry and its workers can outcompete any workers in the world with a level playing field. But you can’t win a fight with your hands tied behind your back. Without help from the federal government, our steel industry cannot overcome Chinese currency manipulation, illegal foreign subsidies, unfair trade agreements, and weak enforcement of trade laws. And we aren’t going to rebuild our steel industry by asking our workers for concession after concession.
I spoke to Mr. Harshman and Mr. Gerard regarding the dispute between ATI and the steelworkers. We discussed the common challenges the steel industry faces. I understand healthcare costs are a major point of contention. I’ll continue to fight to crack down on unfair trade and the trade deals that facilitate it. Both sides need to remain at the negotiating table in order to pursue a fair deal that allows the workers to return to their jobs. Over many years, these workers have played a substantial role in the making ATI successful. They’ve dedicated their talents and expertise to make ATI what it is today. I will continue to closely monitor the lockout and urge a timely and fair resolution.”
