News Release: Utah Union Copper Workers ratify new Kennecott Contract

Magna, Utah – Union copper workers employed at Kennecott Utah Copper ratified a new, long-term contract on Tuesday September 29, 2009 prior to a Wednesday, midnight expiration of their current contract.

Union copper bargaining chair, Bob LaVenture, who also serves as District Director for the United Steelworkers in the Western United States, praised the agreement which he said will add in excess of $8 million new dollars to the economies of Salt Lake area communities during the next 12 months.

Additionally, $50 million new dollars in purchasing power for Union copper workers over the term of this agreement will be available. This will provide significant boost for Utah’s economy.

According to Union spokesperson, Wayne Holland, a Staff Representative for the United Steelworkers, the new Union contract results in the most significant pension increases ever achieved for American copper workers and will provide vital health care security to Union retirees.

Union bargaining co-chair, Dale Cox, who also serves as the District Manager of International Union of Operating Engineers and as Vice President of the Utah AFL-CIO, believes the agreement establishes new opportunities beyond the economic benefits by opening productive procedures for positive and constructive labor management relations.