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USW asks workers to authorize strike
The United Steelworkers union is asking more than 14,000 workers at ArcelorMittal's U.S. operations to authorize a strike if negotiations over a new contract with the world's largest steel producer fail. A strike authorization vote is scheduled for today. The contract expires Sept. 1. The union said ArcelorMittal's current position "does not do justice to our needs and demands, and does not match the pattern set by the U.S. Steel agreement." USW and U.S. Steel have announced tentative agreement on a four-year contract.
Dick's increasing e-commerce control
Dick's Sporting Goods is moving to take more control of its online sales operation and align the operation with its traditional stores. The Findlay retailer signed a new 15-year contract with GSI Commerce, based in King of Prussia, which took over Dick's e-commerce business in 2001. Under the terms of the deal, Dick's will own merchandise sold online starting early next year. The retailer will add in-store pickup and in-store ordering options. In addition, a division of GSI will serve as digital marketing agency of record for Dick's. The current contract was set to expire in 2011.
Barbie's family a lot richer with damages
A federal jury in California has awarded Mattel Inc. $40 million in damages in a copyright lawsuit that pitted the house of Barbie against MGA Entertainment Inc., the maker of the saucy Bratz dolls. Damages were awarded for contract interference and copyright infringement. The same jury that decided the damages phase concluded last month that Bratz designer Carter Bryant came up with the Bratz concept while working at Mattel.
Westinghouse, Shaw to supply nuclear plants
Westinghouse Electric Co. and the Shaw Group Inc. yesterday said they would build a plant in Lake Charles, La., to make piping and equipment modules for Westinghouse's AP1000 nuclear power plants. The companies' joint venture, Global Modular Solutions LLC, will employ as many as 1,400 when the plant is fully operational. Shaw holds a 20 percent stake in Westinghouse, a unit of Toshiba Corp.
Also in business ...
Eat'n Park gift cards will no longer be sold through O'Hara grocer Giant Eagle. The Homestead-based restaurant chain has decided to allocate its marketing dollars to other promotions ... The average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline at area pumps fell 5.6 cents this week to $3.643, AAA East Central reported ... Ainsworth Pet Nutrition, a subsidiary of Meadville-based Dad's Pet Care, has launched an all-natural line of dog food with celebrity connections called Rachael Ray Nutrish. Marketing is being handled by Engauge, a Columbus, Ohio, agency with an office in Pittsburgh ... Southwest Airlines will eliminate 196 flights early next year as it struggles with high fuel costs and a weakening economy. The cuts represent about 6 percent of the airline's daily schedule of close to 3,400 flights ... Ford Motor Co. said it would spend at least $75 million to convert a Wayne, Mich., sport utility vehicle factory to build cars. The Michigan factory is one of three in North America being retooled to produce fuel-efficient cars.
First Published August 27, 2008 12:00 am
