The rally which started outside the United Steelworkers Union headquarters in Downtown caused the temporary closure of several major city streets, as well as the USX Tower when chanting marchers arrived at the building shortly before 1:30 p.m.
Since August 15, about 2,000 steelworkers have been locked-out of Pittsburgh-based Allegheny Technologies, Inc., after contract negotiations broke down on June 30.
In addition to the ATI lockout, union officials are negotiating with U.S. Steel and ArcelorMittal over contracts that are set to expire tonight. Union leaders are seeking payment for overtime, a guaranteed eight-hour work day, a minimum of a 40-hour work week and better benefits for retirees.
According to a news release from the Pennsylvania Chapter of the AFL-CIO, steel companies are citing a downturn in the steel market as an excuse to “gut workers’ contract language and benefits.”
Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto addressed the crowd saying he supports the workers’ position. “Here in Pittsburgh, we support good jobs for all,” he said. “Rights that have been negotiated over the years are being taken away.”
State Representative Bill Kortz told a cheering crowd that he supports the position of the union and added, “You deserve a fair chance. What’s happening at the lockout at ATI is wrong.”
In a message Tuesday to its members, the USW said they will continue negotiations after the contract with ArcelorMittal ends at 11:59 p.m. tonight and encouraged its members to “continue reporting to work as scheduled.”
“Working under the existing terms and conditions of an expired agreement is not the same as a contract extension, but demonstrates good faith while negotiations proceed and at least temporarily averts a labor dispute,” the message said.
Contract negotiations between the USW and ATI over the expired contract are scheduled to resume on September 11.
Brittany Lloyd whoses husband James is a steelworker at a plant not effected by the contracts in dispute was among the thousands of demonstrators at today’s rally. “We’re all together. We’re a union; what effects one effects us all,” she said.
In all, the United Steelworkers of America represents about 30,000 workers at several plants throughout the Pittsburgh area.