Strike possible at Century Aluminum

OWENSBORO, KY (WFIE) - Century Aluminum is one of the largest employers in Hancock County and a weeks-long contract negotiation between the local steelworkers union and Century Aluminum have some people fearing a strike could be inevitable.

Workers went on strike at this same plant in 1998 for nearly two years, back then it was owned by a company called Southwire. The local steelworkers union said it's ready to strike a deal.

"Negotiations aren't going as well as we'd like," John Beaver with United Steel Workers 9423 said. "Obviously, our goal is to reach an agreement, an agreement both parties can live with."

The union said one of the main obstacles is Century's health care plan. The union said the latest offer would eliminate retiring health care for all employees hired after 1980. Local leaders fear a strike at Century could undo the economic recovery in Hancock County.

"We're getting people back to work," Mike Baker with Industrial Foundation said. "A work stoppage of any kind could have a serious impact on the turnaround and the growth."

The union said workers are ready to put the matter to bed.

"They're ready for Century to give them a fair and equitable contract," Beaver said.  "If that's not the case then obviously we'll have to step up the campaign and it may lead up to a strike."

In all, 543 steelworkers are represented by the local union at Century Aluminum. Both sides are scheduled to go back to the negotiating table on Thursday.