Caterpillar, United Steelworkers begin contract talks

SOUTH MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Contract talks between Caterpillar Global Mining and United Steelworkers are now underway. Those talks began on Tuesday morning, April 2nd and would cover some 800 workers.

Caterpillar is the world’s largest manufacturer of mining and construction equipment. Company officials recently informed employees at its South Milwaukee plant that there would be layoffs coming. Union officials speculate it could be as many as 250 people.

For Caterpillar's part, a statement on its company website says, "Our intention is to let the bargaining process play out at the bargaining table... Throughout the process, we’ll face the tough issues head-on and are confident we can reach a fair agreement."

The United Steel Workers Local Union 1343 would not comment on the negotiations.

These are the first labor contract negotiations since Caterpillar bought the mining equipment company Bucyrus in 2011.

Related stories: