AK Steel and UAW To Begin Talks for Butler Works Contract

MIDDLETOWN, Ohio, June 14 -- AK Steel and the United Autoworkers (UAW) Local 3303, representing about 1,400 production, service and maintenance workers at the company's Butler (PA) Plant, announced today they will begin discussions to replace the current labor agreement which extends until September 30, 2006. The Butler Plant primarily produces electrical and stainless sheet steel products.

The parties indicated they would commence these discussions on June 20 and expect the talks to be productive. In order to help facilitate the early talks, the parties have agreed to a news blackout for the duration of the early discussions.

Headquartered in Middletown, Ohio, AK Steel produces flat-rolled carbon, stainless and electrical steel products, as well as carbon and stainless tubular steel products, for automotive, appliance, construction and manufacturing markets.

The UAW also represents hourly workers at the company's Rockport, Indiana, Zanesville and Coshocton, Ohio facilities.