Latrobe Specialty Steel rejects workers' offer to end strike

LATROBE, Pa. — Latrobe Specialty Steel Co. has rejected an offer from striking steelworkers to return to work unconditionally.

Some 350 union steelworkers have been on strike since May 1 over the company's three-year contract offer. Latrobe Steel is using temporary workers to stay open.

The workers on Thursday voted to end the strike and resume bargaining. Company officials rejected the offer Friday. They say accepting the return-to-work offer might have exposed the company to intermittent strikes or other work disruptions.

Union members oppose the company's offer to increase bonuses while freezing hourly wages and cost of living adjustments. The company has offered a $6,000 bonus this year and $5,000 bonuses over the next two years.

Information from: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, http://pghtrib.com

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