AUGUSTA, Maine — Steelworkers in Augusta are celebrating what they're calling a successful resolution in their fight for fair wages, better health insurance, and a pension program.
Ironworkers Local 807 voted Monday to solidify a new three-year contract with Cives Steel in Augusta that satisfied the worker's concerns, Maine AFL-CIO spokesperson Andy O'Brien said in a news release.
"The wages were a lot better than what workers at the other Cives shop in Virginia got. We improved our vacation, we got an extra holiday and way more money than we’d ever gotten in our retirement,” Tim Dunlap, the chief steward for Ironworkers 807, said. “We did well all the way around."
The members of Local 807 said their determination and unity helped them win fair contact along with the support from the New England District Council of Ironworkers, the Central Maine Labor Council (CMLC), the local affiliates of the Maine AFL-CIO, and elected leaders like U.S. Rep. Jared Golden, Maine Senate President Troy Jackson, and August Rep. Raegan LaRochelle.
“The guys here really felt the support, and they want to give the support back, too,” Dunlap said.
After their successful experience, Ironworkers Local 807 has voted to affiliate with the Maine AFL-CIO and is planning to join the Central Labor Council to support other workers.
Per the news release, the contract includes:
- Average Wage increases amounting to an immediate 6.5 percent
- Pension contributions increased by 25 percent over the contract
- Health Insurance Employee contributions froze 2023, 2024; minimal increases 2025, 2026
- Additional safety equipment
- Paid holiday, vacation improvements, and other benefits
- Work produced at the Augusta plant must be identified as fabricated by Ironworkers Local 807