ATI to cut health benefits Nov. 30
BRACKENRIDGE – Allegheny Technologies Inc. will cut off health benefits to its 2,200 locked out workers Nov. 30.
The Pittsburgh-based steelmaker locked out workers at 12 plants in Pennsylvania and five other states Aug. 15. Until then, employees worked under terms of a contract that expired June 30.
ATI operates the Allegheny Ludlum plate mill in Canton Township, where about 220 members of United Steelworkers Local 7139-5 are locked out.
A key contract issue is the company’s demand workers begin paying some of their health insurance premiums. Industry analysts said that’s a precursor to a tax on employee health plans that’s set to take effect in 2018 under the Affordable Care Act.
The USW said the union is “disappointed that ATI is choosing to further escalate its attack on its employees” and will enroll workers in an emergency health plan.
ATI spokesman Dan Greenfield said the company was required under the contract to provide benefits only for a limited time after the lockout.