Century Aluminum Co. sends lockout notice to union local

HAWESVILLE, Ky. (AP) — The Century Aluminum Co. in Hawesville has given the United Steelworkers local a lockout notice for its 570 members.

The Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer reports (http://bit.ly/1JI43t3) since contract negotiations began in February union members have rejected two proposed contracts.

Members are expected to vote on Monday on a third contract that Century calls its last, best and final offer. The lockout is to effective the following Monday, May 11.

Century spokesman Kenny Barkley said the lockout notice was given because union members are contemplating a possible strike. He said a lockout would allow non-union workers to maintain uninterrupted plant operations.

The union negotiating committee said in a website message that sticking points include time for workers to be at home with their families, insurance rates and the rights of future members.

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Information from: Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer, http://www.messenger-inquirer.com

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