Steelworkers announce new deal with ArcelorMittal

(AP) The United Steelworkers have announced a tentative agreement on a three-year contract with ArcelorMittal USA covering nearly 14,000 workers.

The union told members Saturday that they would be getting details soon as well as dates and locations of informational meetings before a ratification vote. Officials say the current contract, which expired Sept. 1, would be extended until then.

The statement says health care for retirees was one of the most important issues, and union officials believe they have negotiated a framework that will protect both current and future retirees. The union says it won wage increases and improved health care, rejected management's calls for two-tier wage and pension systems and maintained seniority rights and protections against the use of outside contractors.

ArcelorMittal representatives did not immediately return messages seeking comment.