
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, May 27, 1993                   TAG: 9305270594
SECTION: BUSINESS                    PAGE: B-7   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: CLEVELAND                                LENGTH: Short

STRIKES OK'D AT REYNOLDS, ALCOA PLANTS

Two unions seeking new contracts with aluminum makers Alcoa and Reynolds Metals Co. have received strike authorization from members, union negotiators said Wednesday.

The United Steelworkers of America and the Aluminum, Brick and Glass Workers International Union on Monday and Tuesday voted 98 percent in favor of strike authorization.

The unions represent about 11,700 workers at 12 Alcoa plants and about 5,100 workers at 16 Reynolds Metals plants. Most belong to the Aluminum, Brick and Glass union.

An extension of the current contracts will expire Monday.

"We believe sufficient time remains to reach an agreement before the expiration date," said George Becker, Steelworkers vice president.

Separate but concurrent contract negotiations resumed in Cleveland May 17 after breaking off in September.

The unions have not publicly commented about specific issues, but the Steelworkers union last year rejected managed health care to replace the health insurance in the current contract extension.

Reynolds Metals spokeswoman Ann Waring said the Richmond, Va.-based company thinks the vote is a routine negotiating move.

Another Reynolds spokeswoman said the only Virginia plant that would be affected is in Bristol.

by CNB