Milton Steel officials still mum on strike (PA)

[struggle4progress]

<snip> Secretaries and management continue to report to work, but the 99 union employees continue to walk the picket lines in protest of proposed health care reform by the company. Union president Ronald Aunkst reported that no union members have crossed the picket line. He also said no one from the company has attempted to contact the union since the strike began.

Upon contacting the company, a receptionist has said there is still no comment at this time.

Under the former contract, the workers at Milton Steel had complete health care coverage with only minor co-pays for medicine. Under the new plan, co-pays would be necessary on hospital and doctor visits, as well as other costs including deductables. Union members have said that if the old health care plan was in place and they would not be receiving a raise, they would be working right now.

Aunkst said Monday there appears to be no end in sight to the strike, as negotiations for a month prior to the union hitting the picket lines were not enough for the sides to meet. He also said the company's latest offer was their "best and final" offer. <snip>

http://www.standard-journal.com/articles/2005/05/17/news_full/news2.txt