Steelworkers at Asarco Win Pension Benefits for 19 Former Workers at El Paso
Smelter
EL PASO, Texas, Nov. 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Nineteen members of the
United Steelworkers (USW) union who were employed at the Asarco smelter in El
Paso will receive full pension benefits as a result of an arbitrator's
decision issued late last week.
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"Each of these former employees worked at the El Paso smelter for over 20
years," said Bob LaVenture, USW District 12 Director. "They should have
received these benefits eight years ago. It is unfortunate that it took so
long, but we are glad that they will finally receive the pensions they were
due."
Asarco suspended operations at its copper smelter in El Paso, Texas in
February 1999, laying off 350 employees. Approximately 100 employees retired
in the two years following the curtailment, and the USW bargained early
retirement benefits for other long-term employees affected by the layoff in
June 2001. However, after the agreement was reached, the company and USW
disagreed on whether eligibility for the early retirement benefits was to be
measured as of the last day worked or the date of the June 30, 2001 labor
agreement. The dispute was tied up for years in litigation, until last week
when an arbitrator ruled that the nineteen workers are entitled to monthly
pension benefits, retroactive to June 30, 2001.
"Because of the passage of time, many of these former employees may have
forgotten about this dispute," LaVenture said. "I am proud that the USW never
gave up and continued to fight for their benefits. This is what unions are all
about."
Each of the eligible former retirees will receive a pension of approximately
$800 per month, monthly supplement of $300 until age 62 and retiree health
care benefits.
On February 3, 2009, Asarco LLC announced that it would not reopen the El Paso
smelter, ending several years of controversy over the restart of the facility
and renewal of its air permits. Asarco filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy
protection on August 9, 2005.
Former Asarco employees with questions about their pension benefits should
contact the Company at (520) 798-7500 for more information or to update the
pension plan administrator on changes in address or apply for benefits.
The USW represents hourly employees at the Asarco facilities in Amarillo,
Texas; Hayden, Arizona (Hayden smelter and Ray copper mine); Sahuarita,
Arizona (Mission mine); and Marana, Arizona (Silver Bell mine).
CONTACTS: Manny Armenta 520-465-3617
SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW)
Manny Armenta, +1-520-465-3617
