MASSENA - Ironworkers Local 440 is picketing Alcoa for allowing a Texas firm to work on repairs to the cast house roof at the Massena West Plant.

Dozens of ironworkers had surrounded all four entrances to the Massena West Plant on Thursday morning - two on County Route 42, one on state Route 131 and one on Pontoon Bridge Road.

Alcoa has retained a project management firm, Fluor, which is awarding construction contracts. Fluor recently selected CCC Group Inc., San Antonio, to complete a portion of the roof repairs for the cast house damaged in a March 29 blaze. CCC is bringing 24 of its own workers here, Alcoa spokeswoman Laurie A. Marr said.

The ironworkers are losing out because of CCC’s selection, according to Business Manager Robert J. Cole. He planned on continuing the picket until Alcoa could reach an agreement with the union providing more work for local labor.

Mr. Cole said he had been in discussions with Alcoa and Fluor officials into this week, but didn’t see a resolution approaching.

“Let’s draw a line,” he said. “This is getting nowhere.”

Thousands of readers like you have made Northern New York Newspapers the number one ranked website* for local news and sports coverage in the north country.

You can continue on to this article in a few seconds, or you can visit one of our websites:

• Watertown Daily Times
• The Ogdensburg Journal
• Daily Courier-Observer