Sep 23, 2015 2 min read

“We have two girls in college and we’re trying to pay that tuition. Unemployment only goes so far. I’m working two jobs now. There’s always hope, but …”

Linda Winkelvoss trailed off as she contemplated the future of her husband’s employment with Allegheny Technologies Inc.

Winkelvoss was among about 200 friends and relatives of locked-out ATI employees who showed their support Wednesday in a rally outside the Canton Township employer.

ATI employees, who are members of United Steelworkers Local 7139-5, have been prevented from entering ATI’s Allegheny Ludlum plate mill since Aug. 15. Until that time, they were working under a contract that expired June 30.

“They’re not negotiating at all,” said Skip Longdon, unit unit president for Local 7139-5 and a member of the negotiating team. “They are sticking to their last and final offer.”

Negotiations were ongoing until Aug. 6, when ATI, a Pittsburgh-based specialty metals producer, made a final offer with an Aug. 10 deadline, which some USW members contend was too soon to get a complete vote. ATI then implemented the lockout and said it would operate with salaried and nonunion employees and temporary staff.

Longdon said sticking points include employee health care and the use of outside contractors. He said no upcoming talks are planned for the two sides.

ATI employee Jodi McNurlen said she is not angry with co-workers who crossed the picket line.

“They’re our friends and family. I love all my bosses. I kiss them when they come through here,” she said. “This is a good-paying job. It’s not about the wage. We don’t want to lose what we had. They won’t promise us hours.”

The lockout affects about 220 workers at the Green Street site and about 2,200 USW workers employed at ATI’s flat-rolled products division plants in several states.

USW crews maintain 24/7 informational pickets outside the plant.

“The support is wonderful,” said Winkelvoss, who stops by the picket line often. “I come down and try to support in every way I can.”