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4 March, 2026ArcelorMittal steelworkers in Shelby, Ohio, have been on strike for over 40 days, with around 450 members of IndustriALL affiliate, United Steelworkers (USW) Local 3057 demanding a fair contract that protects working conditions, schedules and health care.
The strike began at 11:59 p.m. on 13 January after negotiations failed to produce an agreement. Bargaining had started on 2 September last year, but talks stalled, with the last meeting between the company and the union taking place on 28 January. Since then, no further negotiations have been scheduled.
According to USW International representative Steve Ackerman, this is the longest strike in the history of Local 3057, already surpassing a 2021 dispute that lasted 11 days and concluded with a four-year agreement.
Workers hold the line
From the first hours of the strike, workers have maintained a visible and determined presence outside the Shelby plant along West Main Street. Braving winter temperatures, union members have walked the picket line daily, holding signs, waving to passing motorists and gathering around burn barrels to keep warm.
While on strike, workers in the bargaining unit have forfeited their pay and their health insurance benefits were halted at the end of January. Despite these pressures, the union says solidarity on the picket line and support from the local community have remained strong.
“It is overwhelming to see the support USW Local 3057 is getting from the community It is a shame to see such a good group of hard workers fighting for a fair contract. The union is ready and willing to continue bargaining.”
Steve Ackerman said.
Key issues: schedules, language and health care
The union reports that the main sticking points in negotiations include proposed language changes in the contract, work schedule changes and modifications to health care provisions. For workers, these issues go to the heart of job security, work-life balance and access to affordable medical care.
The Shelby facility is ArcelorMittal’s largest site in Ohio, with another plant located in Marion. As the strike continues, union representatives warn that prolonged disruption could damage the company’s skilled workforce.
“It’s a shame because they are going to lose valuable employees. They probably already have,” Steve Ackerman said.
Call for meaningful negotiations
USW Local 3057 has reiterated its readiness to return to the bargaining table at any time. The union is calling on ArcelorMittal management to resume negotiations in good faith and reach an agreement that respects workers’ contributions and ensures decent working conditions.
For the striking steelworkers in Shelby, the message is clear: after years of producing steel and sustaining the local economy, they are standing united for a contract that reflects their dignity, experience and commitment.
IndustriALL base metals director, Alexander Ivanou, said:
“The determination of the steelworkers in Shelby shows what solidarity truly means. These workers are standing up not only for fair schedules and decent health care, but for dignity and respect at work. ArcelorMittal must return to the bargaining table in good faith and negotiate an agreement that recognizes the skills, commitment and contribution of its workforce. A sustainable future for the plant depends on a fair contract.”
IndustriALL general secretary, Atle Høie, said:
“A prolonged suspension of collective bargaining at a major facility of a global company such as ArcelorMittal raises serious concerns regarding the effectiveness of social dialogue and industrial relations governance within the group. Respect for collective bargaining and freedom of association are fundamental international labour standards and essential pillars of stable and responsible industrial relations. ArcelorMittal should resume meaningful negotiations in good faith without delay and work toward a fair agreement that recognizes the skills, commitment and contribution of its workforce.”
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