FMCS Statement on Tentative Settlement Between United Steelworkers Local 9423 And Century Aluminum Co. in Kentucky

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Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service

Jun 09, 2015, 06:58 ET

WASHINGTON, June 9, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Allison Beck, Acting Director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS), today announced that with the assistance of Federal mediators, a tentative settlement has been reached between USW Local 9423 and Chicago-based Century Aluminum Co., potentially ending a work stoppage affecting approximately 560 workers at a Century Aluminum facility in Hawesville, KY.

A previous labor contract expired in April 2015 followed by contentious negotiations and a work stoppage in May.

Bargaining under the auspices of FMCS mediators, the union and employer reached a tentative agreement after many hours of intense talks.

Ms. Beck commended FMCS Director of Mediation Services Peter Cheng and FMCS mediator Chris Alford for their roles in bringing both sides together in the bargaining. "Our mediators assisted these parties through a very difficult period, and we are gratified that we were able to help the union and employer overcome their differences in these challenging and complex negotiations," Ms. Beck said. "Ultimately, the hard work by the parties enabled them to reach common ground."

The tentative agreement is subject to ratification. As is Agency practice, the FMCS will not comment on the substance or content of the agreement or negotiation.

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, created in 1947, is an independent U.S. government agency whose mission is to preserve and promote labor-management peace and cooperation. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 10 district offices and more than 60 field offices, the agency provides mediation and conflict resolution services to industry, government agencies and communities.

SOURCE Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service