Steelworkers Reach Tentative Deal With Cleveland-Cliffs
The United Steelworkers announced a tentative agreement covering about 10,000 workers across four states, with contract details not yet released.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Unions
The United Steelworkers union reached a tentative agreement with Cleveland-Cliffs, covering approximately 10,000 workers across Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Minnesota. The union announced the deal on Friday, though details of the agreement were not immediately available.
Why it matters
The agreement covers a large share of steelworkers at one of the country's major steel producers and places added pressure on US Steel to reach its own deal with the USW. Labor contracts in the steel sector shape wages and working conditions across a major industrial region.
The tentative agreement covers roughly 10,000 workers, about 1.2% of the USW's 850,000 members. The specific terms of the deal, including wages and benefits, have not been made public.
The players
United Steelworkers (USW)
The USW is a major North American industrial union representing roughly 850,000 members across manufacturing, mining and other sectors.
Cleveland-Cliffs
Cleveland-Cliffs is a major American steel producer with significant operations in the Midwest and Great Lakes region.
Roxanne Brown
Roxanne Brown is the president of the United Steelworkers, becoming the first woman and first person of color to lead the union.
US Steel
US Steel is one of the largest steel producers in the United States and a major employer of USW members.
The details
The United Steelworkers announced the tentative agreement with Cleveland-Cliffs on Friday, covering workers at facilities in Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Minnesota. Details of the agreement were not immediately available, and the union has not yet released the contract terms.
Timeline
Earlier in 2026: Roxanne Brown was sworn in as USW president.
Friday, November 6, 2026: The USW announced the tentative agreement with Cleveland-Cliffs.
Roadmap
Collective bargaining in the steel sector operates under the National Labor Relations Act, which governs how unions and employers reach agreements. The Cleveland-Cliffs deal now sets a benchmark that US Steel negotiations will be measured against.
Workers covered by the Cleveland-Cliffs contract will see its terms once they are released, which will determine wages and benefits. Workers at other steel producers may see their own bargaining outcomes influenced by this agreement.
The takeaway
Tentative agreements are not final until members ratify them, so the Cleveland-Cliffs contract remains subject to a union vote. Readers should watch for the full contract terms and any ratification announcement.
Further reading
Explore more coverage of United States Unions to see how labor agreements like this one are shaping bargaining across industries.
