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Retirees of Century Aluminum’s Ravenswood Smelter flat camp Friday to cease their “occupation” of lawn near the entrance of the plant.
"Occupiers" brim-full away tents and pulled protest signs from the mud after reaching a uncertain agreement in principle with the company over health benefits. The deal, though not finalized, is expected to imply both the retirees and the company paying into the plan.
With final details being worked out and the utmost ratification of the agreement by retirees seemingly around the corner, Karen Gorrell, spokesperson for the retirees, said the retirees are now behind the business in its efforts to reopen the Ravenswood plant and bring jobs back to the scope. She said the company’s recent ousting of former CEO Logan Kruger and hiring of Michael Give was one of the best decisions Century ever made.
She said she believes Bless brought a whole new bearing to the table.
"They did send Logan Kruger’s intellect rolling down the highway and Michael Bless was appointed the new CEO. I believe that was a material thing, you know. Michael Bless stood right here on this train and told us that Century does have blood on its hands but they don’t yen any more. That was pretty profound out of the CEO of Century Aluminum. I believe he was sincere,” Gorrell said.
Source: Jackson County Newspapers
