Manchin Statement on Constellium Negotiations

Statement

U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement about the Constellium contract negotiations.

"Throughout these challenging negotiations, my priority has been to bring the parties together, treat everyone with respect and fairness and do our best to get our talented people back to work. We've reached a point in these negotiations where the international leadership of the United Steelworkers union has reviewed this offer. President Leo Gerard sees market conditions around the world, and his assessment is that it's time for workers to have a vote.

"I agree that a vote is the next crucial step, and I strongly urge the union leaders to reconsider yesterday's decision. I sincerely ask my fellow West Virginians to give their brothers and sisters a chance to evaluate this offer on their own.

"I also urge all those involved to keep cool heads in the coming days, as these talks are proving to be a marathon, not a sprint.

"As always, I am determined to make sure that the workers are treated fairly and that the company can be successful - so we can keep the good-paying jobs we have and create opportunities to attract even more jobs."

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