About 450 union steelworkers are out of work following a lockout implemented Saturday by Sherwin Alumina in Gregory.

Many of the union workers have spent their time this week protesting outside the plant’s gates. Among those affected by the lockout is Aransas Pass Mayor Adan Chapa, as well as residents from communities across the Coastal Bend, including Corpus Christi, Aransas Pass, Ingleside, Falfurrias, Rockport and others.

“We are disappointed that Sherwin Alumina plans to lock out 450 hardworking members in a misguided effort to pressure them to accept pay and benefit cuts,” said Ruban Garza, director of USW District 13, in a statement released Saturday.

“Our members are ready and willing to continue working while we negotiate a fair agreement. This company is profitable. Price forecasts for alumina are positive.”

The lockout is the result of failed negotiations between the aluminum oxide plant and USW Local 235-A, the union representing the 450 hourly workers. Sherwin Alumina and USW entered contract negotiations July 8 with a Sept. 30 deadline to reach a new labor agreement.

An open letter released by Sherwin Alumina Oct. 1 presents the company’s proposal to employees, indicating changes to “language to bring overtime practices to industry standards” and “bargaining unit work language.”

Unchanged benefits for current employees listed in the proposal are defined benefit pension, 401k with company match and retiree medical insurance coverage. A change to employee medical benefits posed an increased employee contribution of $65 per month, raising the total monthly deduction for coverage to $175.

A statement released by USW earlier this month summarizes Sherwin Alumina’s proposed changes to the standing labor agreement.

“The company continues to insist upon major concessions,” the statement reads. “Cuts in overtime pay for unscheduled work, higher health care premiums, elimination of company provided health care for our most vulnerable retirees, the exclusion of new employees from the current pension plan and the elimination of disability and widows’ benefits for new hires.”

Garza said in the Oct. 1 statement that union members had been directed by USW to continue to report for work as usual. Ben Lilienfeld, USW District 13 sub-district director, said he hoped additional time would allow the parties to reach a fair contract.

However, when union workers showed up Oct. 11 – the day after they voted down Sherwin Alumina’s last, best and final offer – they were locked out and escorted away by security.

According to Lilienfeld, Sherwin Alumina has brought in hundreds of replacement workers and contractors outside the area to work during the lockout.

“Sherwin believes that we have put our best proposal on the table which will enable us to maintain the competitive benefits package offered to our employees, while also ensuring the long-term future of the plant,” reads the official statement provided to the Progress-Index by Sherwin Alumina.

“We are disappointed an agreement could not be reached, but the plant was prepared for all possibilities and at this time will continue to operate utilizing salaried employees and a temporary workforce. As always, safety is our number one value and will continue to be our main priority during the work stoppage.”

The statement also said the company is committed to achieving a new long-term labor agreement and that they want a “rapid resolution to the outstanding issues.”