Hawesville, Ky. - Members of United Steelworkers (USW) Local 9423 rejected a final contract offer from Century Aluminum yesterday by a secret ballot vote of 443 to 2, sending a strong message to management that terms of the offer fell short of expectations and that the union membership will not be intimidated into accepting a bad deal.

The union also protests unfair labor practices, such as the threats used by Century during contract talks.  USW Local 9423 President John Beaver said, "This overwhelming vote shows that the workers will not be intimidated by management's threats, including threats of shutting down the plant.

"The membership has given the union authorization to call a strike," Beaver said.  "But we are going to continue bargaining and make every effort to reach a satisfactory agreement." Click here for more.