Kaiser Aluminum Corp. announces new 5-year labor agreement with union members at Spokane Valley, Ohio

Kaiser Aluminum Corp. announced it has entered into a new, five-year labor agreement with union members at its plants in Spokane Valley and Newark, Ohio.

United Steelworkers on Monday ratified the agreement, which takes effect Oct. 1 and covers more than 900 union members.

“We are pleased to have reached this agreement to extend through 2025. We value the long-term relationship we have with the United Steelworkers and the contributions of our Trentwood and Newark employees play an important role in the company’s long-term success,” Jack Hockema, Kaiser Aluminum chairman and CEO, said in a statement. “This agreement further underscores our objectives to be a preferred employer in our communities, preferred supplier for our customers, and preferred investment for our shareholders.”

The agreement is largely an extension of the contract agreed upon by Kaiser Aluminum and United Steelworkers in 2015, according to a company spokeswoman.

The agreement extends the term of a director designation agreement that allows the union to nominate candidates, who, if elected, would comprise 40% of Kaiser Aluminum’s board of directors.

Foothills Ranch, California-based Kaiser Aluminum produces semi-fabricated specialty aluminum products. The company’s Trentwood plant in Spokane Valley makes aluminum sheet and plate products for the aerospace industry and other manufacturers.