Braeburn Alloy Steel workers in Lower Burrell ratified a new contract, capping off unusual negotiations during which the plant owner didn’t recognize or bargain with the labor union until ordered to do so by the National Labor Relations Board.
Union employees ratified a three-year agreement Tuesday, with leaders saying the vote was approved by an overwhelming majority. The actual vote was not disclosed.
“Through the power of solidarity and despite management’s bitter resistance, workers at Braeburn negotiated a new three-year agreement thanks to the local union leadership and bargaining committee,” USW staff representative Richard Benson said.
The contract addressed workers’ wages and benefit requests, according to employee John Gentile. He did not release details.
Braeburn was bought last year by G.O. Carlson Inc. of Oil City.
Calls to President and Chief Operating Officer Joseph Paparone II seeking comment were not immediately returned.
Benson said the contract builds on “our generations of progress with wage improvements, quality benefits and better, safer working conditions.”
Earlier this year, the NLRB upheld a vote by Braeburn workers for a labor union to represent them in contract negotiations.
The vote seemed repetitive since employees already were represented by the United Steelworkers, but Steelworkers spokesman Tony Montana said G.O. Carlson wouldn’t recognize the representation.
There are about 25 workers in the bargaining unit at Braeburn.
The contract applies to hourly production employees and maintenance workers. Foremen, office clerical, confidential employees, guards, professional employees and supervisors were excluded.
Braeburn was founded in 1897 as a producer of ball bearing steel for its parent company, Standard Steel & Bearings. It was acquired by Continental Copper and Steel (CCX) in 1944 and operated as a steel mill until 1987.
The plant now processes metal alloys, including titanium, refractory metals, high-end nickel alloys, steel alloys, stainless steel, tool steel and carbon steel.
