The United Steelworkers of America (USWA) today said that members of Locals 2155 and 2155-7 have approved a contract with the RMI Titanium division of RTI International Metals, Inc. (NYSE:RTI), officially ending a labor dispute that lasted for more than 13 months. The USWA reached tentative agreement with RMI management on Tuesday, November 23, 2004, and members voted today.

"Our members poured their hearts and souls into the 13-month fight to get their jobs back and prevailed," said USWA International President Leo W. Gerard. "They deserve an employer astute enough to recognize their dedication to making titanium and wise enough to take full advantage of the benefits of having a loyal, skillful workforce."

The Union conducted a meeting for members to review the proposed contract on Sunday, November 28, 2004, where members of the negotiating committee answered questions about the details of the five-year deal.

"I am confident that our members are willing to team-up with RMI management to resume the tradition of efficient, high-quality titanium production in Niles as quickly as possible," said USWA District 1 Director David R. McCall. "Our members look forward to the challenge of making that transition as seamless as possible and restoring RTI to profitability."

Workers will begin the process of returning to work as soon as next week, and full production could resume in Niles before the end of the year.

"After 13 months, our committee saw an opportunity to reach a fair agreement with the company that provided a chance for us to get back to making the best titanium in the world with dignity and respect," said USWA Local 2155 President Todd Weddell. "Now, it's time for us to do just that."