Locked Out Steelworkers Resolved To Get Jobs Back

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - A packed union hall and show of solidarity gave fuel to idled steelworkers who continue to weather the storm of a six-month long lockout by Allegheny Technologies Incorporated.

In just one week's time, their unemployment benefits will run out.

"People going to lose their homes, going to lose their cars. We have kids in college it's a tragedy. It's unnecessary tragedy," said Scott Laliberte.

In August, the union rejected what ATI called it's last best offer. But, while the union called for continued talks, the steel company broke them off and locked the workers out.

Michelle Jageman, a steelworker of 23 years, says the employees wanted to keep working.

"Being on strike means we made that decision, being locked out means the company  made that decision and there's a big, big difference," said Jageman.

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Today the workers got a visit from U.S. Congressman Mike Doyle, who while trying to get the unemployment benefit extended, called he lockout illegal.

"We need this company to do the right thing by it's workers and negotiate in good faith and quit breaking labor laws in this country," Doyle said.

The National Labor Relations Board has verbally declared the lockout illegal and Doyle says  a formal declaration is forthcoming, which would require the company to negotiate a settlement in 10 days or go to court.

An ATI spokesperson did not return calls Friday but has said the company has acted properly. ATI says it needs long term concessions from workers to compete globally in a market flooded with cheap imports, falling prices and weak demand.

Doyle and steelworkers say ATI's concessions demands went too far.

"Hang in there. This is going to get done. We're gong to get those illegal employees out of that plant and get the Steelworkers Union back in there," Doyle said.

It's 174 days and counting and coming down to a question of which side will outlast the other but these locked out stelworkers are showing no shortage of resolve.