NEGAUNEE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Around 120 members of United Steelworkers Locals 4950 and 4974 gathered at Miners Park in Negaunee Thursday to generate support for a fair new contract with Cliffs Mines.
For both groups, this bargaining happens every four years, bringing out a push for the best wages and insurance coverages as possible.
“A union is all about solidarity, it’s a collective voice all working in the same direction, and steelworkers, that’s what we do,” said Local 4950 Vice President Michael Grondz. “When we’re doing that, we don’t forget the sacrifices everybody on this range has made, past, present, and future. We’ve got to get a deal that’s good for everybody.”
District 1 International Representative Bryan Fisher says these contracts are especially best when they can accommodate workers in a changing economic climate.
“We’ve all seen the price of gas and groceries going up,” he said. “We can’t let our members be left behind in the economy these days.”
On the roadside, drivers in the community shared their own support for workers of the historic industry.
“Mining heritage has been huge in our area for many many years,” said Local 4950 Safety Chairman, Matthew Perry. “Seeing the support from everybody driving by as we’re out here, it makes us feel good that people support us in what we do for them also.”
Both Locals, combined of around 700 members, will begin negotiations with Cliffs Mine on Sunday, November 1.
