Latrobe Specialty steelworkers file unfair labor charge

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/ap/news/state/pennsylvania/20080514_ap_latrobespecialtysteelworkersfileunfairlaborcharge.html

The Associated Press

LATROBE, Pa. - About 350 union steelworkers have filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board claiming Latrobe Specialty Steel Co. has locked them out.

A federal mediator has gotten the parties to agree to resume contract talks Thursday for the first time since the workers went on strike May 1.

But the company and United Steelworkers Local 1537 disagree whether the workers are locked out and entitled to unemployment benefits.

The union says its workers have been locked out since the company rejected their offer to return to work last week. Company spokeswoman Lisa Pierce disagrees, but says the company isn't commenting on the unfair labor practice claim.

The plant remains open with temporary workers.

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Information from: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, http://pghtrib.com