Steelworkers to resume contract talks with Rexam Beverage 800 workers at nine U.S. plants

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.telegram.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070316/APF/703164151

Friday, March 16, 2007
Steelworkers to resume contract talks with Rexam Beverage


The Associated Press


PITTSBURGH— The United Steelworkers union announced it will resume contract talks with Rexam Beverage Can North America Co. later this month, a day before the expiration of a contract extension covering some 800 workers at nine U.S. plants, including one in North Carolina.

Union workers rejected an earlier tentative contract agreement on March 8, so more talks will begin on March 26, the Pittsburgh-based union said Friday.

The affected plants are in Chicago, where Rexam is headquartered; Phoenix; Birmingham, Ala.; St. Paul, Minn.; Whitehouse, Ohio; Chatsworth, Calif.; Winston-Salem, N.C.; Bishopsville, S.C.; and Oklahoma City.

The union's bargaining committee held internal discussions with local presidents earlier this week and accepted the company's request to return to contract talks, said Fred Redmond, a USW vice president who chairs the bargaining committee.

"The union feels optimistic that we will be able to reach an agreement that satisfies the needs of our members and also will ensure a viable customer base for the company," Redmond said.

A Rexam spokesman did not immediately return a call for comment Friday.