Striking members of the United Steelworkers of America (USWA) approved a contract with Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corp. Tuesday, ending a 10-month strike that began October 1, 1996.
The five-year contract drew 3,105 votes in favor and 817 votes against. It is effective immediately and, among other things, includes guaranteed defined pensions, a $1.50-an-hour wage increase, and a fund to reimburse workers for medical expenses incurred during the strike.
As part of the agreement, 850 workers who meet eligibility requirements will be offered early retirement that includes full pensions, plus a choice of a lump sum payment of $250,000 or $400 monthly supplements until they reach age 62.
