Donnie Blatt, District 1 Director of the United Steelworkers, appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss ongoing labor disputes at Libbey Glass, a tentative agreement at Matalis and upcoming contract negotiations in 2026. He highlighted the union's efforts to secure fair deals for workers and the challenges in bargaining with certain companies.
The Libbey Glass dispute stems from the company's refusal to honor previous commitments after receiving significant concessions from workers. Despite $31.8 million in worker sacrifices and help securing a $45 million Department of Energy grant, Libbey sought to rewrite the collective bargaining agreement, targeting work jurisdictions, premium payments and union security, Blatt said. He emphasized the union's desire to return workers to their jobs but stressed the need for a fair agreement recognizing their contributions to the company's profitability.
At Matalis (formerly Timken Steel) in Canton, Ohio, the USW negotiated a tentative four-year agreement covering 1,200 workers. The local union leadership explained the terms to members, and a vote was scheduled for Oct. 30. This agreement comes as Matalis, a manufacturer of high-performance specialty metals, reported over $1 billion in sales last year, underscoring the importance of securing fair compensation for workers contributing to the company's success.
Looking ahead to 2026, Blatt anticipates another busy year for collective bargaining. Major contracts up for negotiation include those with U.S. Steel and Cleveland Cliffs. These negotiations will cover numerous facilities across Ohio, Indiana and Pennsylvania, presenting significant challenges but also opportunities for the union to secure fair agreements for its members.
Listen to the full episode for more insights on the USW's ongoing labor struggles and future negotiations.