Washington DC- U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released a statement following news of a tentative agreement between Allegheny Technologies (ATI) and the United Steelworkers (USW). Over the last months Senator Casey spoke multiple times with Richard Harshman, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of ATI and Leo Gerard, International President of the United Steelworkers. Casey also spoke with Secretary of Labor, Thomas Perez, and senior officials at the Department of Labor to discuss the lockout. Casey also met with local union presidents from Beaver, Allegheny, Westmoreland, and Washington Counties.
“I’m pleased that ATI and USW were able to come to an agreement that will allow workers to get back on the job. For months these workers have simply been asking for the opportunity to return to their jobs and continue the work they’ve done for years, which has propelled ATI’s success. Over the last weeks I’ve spoken multiple times to Richard Harshman of ATI and Leo Gerard of USW urging both sides to come together and try to bridge the gap on some of the differences. I also spoke with Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez and senior officials at the Department of Labor to urge the Administration to focus intensively on the lockout and consider measures to aid workers. The locked out workers have been through a difficult and stressful time since August. The fact that they can get back to work and once again have a sense of economic security is critical. At this time it’s also important to remember that there are a substantial number of idled workers. It’s vital that these workers receive the assistance necessary to get back to work so they too can provide for their families.”
