National Labor Relations Board issues unfair labor complaint against Braeburn Alloy Steel

The National Labor Relations Board issued a complaint Friday against Braeburn Alloy Steel in Lower Burrell for breaking the National Labor Relations Act by not recognizing the collective bargaining unit represented by the United Steelworkers.

The union, which represents about 30 workers, filed unfair labor practice complaints with NLRB in the summer against the new owners of the steel company.

Since about May 27, the company hasn’t recognized, met, or bargained with the union, according to NLRB’s complaint.

The Steelworkers have been representing Braeburn employees since at least 1946, according to the NLRB complaint.

In late March, Braeburn filed for bankruptcy with the intent of being acquired by G.O. Carlson, an affiliate of its largest customer.

“When it took over operations, Braeburn hired all of the union-represented workers at the plant, but it refused to sit down with United Steelworkers,” said Tony Montana, a union spokesman.

The NLRB complaint alleges that by not recognizing the union, G.O. Carlson is not recognizing employees’ vacation accruals, shift differential rates, Sunday premium pay, health insurance, pensions and the grievance procedure.

“The NLRB complaint makes clear that the company’s schemes have prevented us from having a collective bargaining relationship since the ownership change,” said Bernie Hall, USW District 10 director. If the union or the NLRB can’t persuade Braeburn to step to the table for collective bargaining, the management should be “held accountable for breaking the law,” he said.

“All work has dignity, and the employees who made Braeburn Alloy Steel an attractive investment deserve a fair contract with union-­negotiated pay and benefits as they remain loyal to their jobs,” Hall said. The steel plant is 125 years old.

Calls for comment late Friday afternoon were not immediately returned by Braeburn Alloy Steel officials.

The NLRB hearing is set for Sept. 18, 2023 at the William S. Moorhead Federal Building in Pittsburgh.