But once they were given no choice, their creative and steadfast struggle became a symbol for the fight for workers rights in a global economy. In my 25 years in the labor movement, I have seen few struggles contribute more to the growing awareness in our country of the need for Americans of conscience to bridge their differences and focus on building a global movement for economic justice. Social struggles such as this one change many lives not only as a result of personal sacrifice but most importantly because the vision of social justice now burns brightly in the heart of every Kaiser steelworker. Kaiser has agreed to retention of retiree health care and to union proposals which puts teeth in the agreement s contracting-out section protecting USWA jobs. In addition to going back to work under a union contract, aluminum workers health insurance was immediately restored.
Wages are among the outstanding issues.
If Kaiser and the union are unable to agree, wage proposals on the table as of June 30, will go to the arbitrator, Seymour Strongin. Under the arbitration agreement, these wage positions are locked in, the union cannot go up and Kaiser cannot go down. Strongin would have to choose one or the other. The same principle applies to pension increases. Maxxam Corp. The company s CEO, Charles Hurwitz of Houston, Texas, is a major contributor to GOP presidential contender, George W. Bush.