WARREN - As labor talks continue following Saturday's contract expiration at ArcelorMittal, union officials on Tuesday outlined the three biggest obstacles.
According to a membership update provided to United Steelworker members, the obstacles deal with the company's refusal to effectively fund the Benefit Trust for retiree health care benefits; the company's desire to eliminate a $10,000 pension enhancement payment for steelworkers who retire on a Pension Trust pension; and the company's refusal to continue funding a pension plan at a minimum of 80 percent.
Workers, including about 125 at the South Main Avenue, Warren, coke plant, continue to work without a new contract while negotiations continue.
Negotiations have been under way for several months.
An informational picket is being planned for today for all the ArcelorMittal plants, including one at 3 p.m. near the gate at the Warren location.
A message seeking comment with company officials was not immediately returned Tuesday evening.
Previously, company officials described talks as a "continuous dialogue'' and said the company remains optimistic about reaching a fair and equitable contract with the USW without a work stoppage.
The spokeswoman declined to release any details of the discussion topics.