United Steelworkers fight to have union recognized at Braeburn Steel

The United Steelworkers union has filed three allegations with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) related to the refusal of the new owner of Braeburn Alloy Steel in Lower Burrell to recognize the union.

“If they were looking for a fight, they picked the wrong union,” said Bernie Hall, director of the United Steelworkers District 10.

There were about 41 workers at the steel mill when G.O. Carlson Inc. of Oil City bought Braeburn Alloy Steel last month.

Last week, some Braeburn workers mounted a “Bring the Union Back” drive by posting “fair contract now” signs on their vehicles.

The labor contract for about 35 Braeburn employees represented by the USW expired June 30.

The new owner isn’t recognizing the labor union, according to Steelworkers union officials.

“Our No. 1 priority is to protect the rights of our members,” Hall said.

“We will not tolerate the continued violations of federal labor law, and we’ll work tirelessly until our members get a fair contract.”

The union’s allegations filed with the National Labor Relations Board include refusal to recognize, repudiation and modification of a contract, and refusal to bargain and bad faith bargaining.

A decision on the allegations has not been made, as the NLRB still is investigating the matter, said Nancy Wilson, regional director of the NLRB in Pittsburgh, on Thursday

Calls to Braeburn and G.O. Carlson Inc. requesting comments were not immediately returned.

Braeburn Steel processes metal alloys, including titanium, refractory metals, high-end nickel alloys, steel alloys, stainless steel, tool steel and carbon steel.

Located along the Allegheny River in Lower Burrell’s Braeburn section, Braeburn’s multi-building plant totals 220,000 square feet on about 9 acres of the 43 acres owned by the company.

Related:

• Braeburn Alloy Steel sold; United Steelworkers charges unfair labor practices

• Braeburn Alloy files for bankruptcy, proposes sale to new owner