PITTSBURGH - RTI International Metals Inc. and United Steelworkers Local 2155 announced late Thursday a new long-term labor contract for 350 workers at the Weathersfield titanium mill.
The pact, which the company said addresses wages, pensions and profit-sharing, runs through June 30, 2018. The previous pact wasn't due to expire until June 30, 2013.
Local 2155 President Todd Weddell said the contract provides "significant wage increases" over its life, along with some pension gains. He noted it maintains health care coverage.
Weddell said the company's promise to add some equipment to the mill "provides us with a little job security."
He said the company has been hiring to replace workers who leave.
RTI Vice Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer Dawne Hickton said the company and union "have had over a 60 year relationship based on the production of advanced titanium mill products.
"The extension as well as RTI's intention to continue to invest in the Niles plant, is further evidence of this collective agreement to produce best-in-class, advanced titanium mill products for our global customers," she said.
The contract continues a trend of early industrial labor agreements. Local 2155 in February 2008 extended a contract that was set to expire in 2010 to the June 30, 2013, date.
In February, members of USW Local 3523 at Thomas Steel Strip in Warren Township approved a three-year extension of their pact to March 31, 2017, in an effort to win capital investment from new owner Tata Steel.