Alcoa, Reynolds, Steelworkers Settle

The United Steelworkers of America said Monday that the 5,000 members members who work for Aluminum Co. of America and the Reynolds Metals Corp. have ratified a new six-year contract.

The vote affects five Alcoa plants and 10 Reynolds facilities, including Kent, Wash., and Troutdale, Ore.

The contract, which tentatively was reached on May 31, an hour before old contracts expired, passed by a margin of 2-to-1.

By contrast, negotiations between the Steelworkers and Kaiser Aluminum Co. broke down last year, resulting in a contentious eight-day strike in Spokane and elsewhere before a four-year settlement was reached.

The Alcoa and Reynolds agreement increases wages by $1.15 an hour spread over the first five years, beginning June 3. It also improves pension benefits, sickness and accident benefits and dental and life insurance.