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December 23, 2009

TruSeal releases statement to clarify ‘misinformation’

Times-Tribune Staff Report

Although the two parties won’t return to the table until January, TruSeal Technologies released a statement this week to clarify “misinformation” concerning negotiations with striking union steelworkers.

Negotiations between the two parties stalled on Saturday. Since then, TruSeal has continued operations using salaried staff, and members of United Steelworkers Local 8411 have picketed outside the Barbourville plant.

“We were with the federal mediator,” read the statement provided by Director of Human Resources Richard Mack. “We determined that it would be wise to take a break from negotiations until after the first of the year, and the mediator assisted us in scheduling negotiations to resume on January 5th.”

According to the release, TruSeal has offered:

• “No cuts in wage rates for existing employees. The average hourly wage for union-represented employees is $17.75.”

• “A competitive health insurance program.”

• “Increased company contributions to the retirement plan.”

“Regarding the other fringe benefits, some are improved, some reduced and some remain the same,” the statement read. “Overall, we believe that we have proposed a very fair package. We are providing this overview to correct misinformation that has been circulated. At this time, out of respect for the process, we do not intend to get into further details of the negotiations.”

Union spokespersons have accused the company of unfair labor practices, and have said they are unhappy with proposed contract changes that would raise insurance premiums and change overtime and scheduling policies, among other things.

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