Tensions rise at Hawesville smelter

Tensions are mounting at Century Aluminum Co.'s Hawesville, Ky., aluminum smelter as talks between the United Steelworkers union and the company enter their 12th week.

"The mood has changed. The people are very frustrated, very aggravated," USW staff representative Bobby Pierson told AMM. "We do not have any plans of striking at this point but obviously if we don't get something resolved pretty soon and see some significant movement toward a fair and equitable contract pretty soon, we're going to have to go back and revisit those plans."

Discussions between the union and the Monterey, Calif.-based company began March 4, with the union's contract...