West Virginia retirees occupy Century Aluminum, win healthcare, 2011-2012

In 2009, the Century Aluminum factory in Ravenswood, West Virginia laid off 650 employees. However, the factory promised those laid off and those forced to retire that they would continue to receive their health care benefits. Retirees were shocked in June 2010 when the factory announced they were cutting the healthcare plan for retirees. Karen Gorrell, a leader of the ensuing movement to regain health care, stated, “[When the retirees are] actually beginning to suffer from the exposure [from hazardous chemical exposure], then the company comes in and just pulls out the rug.”

United Steelworkers Local 5668, the labor union that represented most of the retirees, filed a lawsuit against Century Aluminum in the hopes of regaining the health care benefits. However, months went by with no progress as the lawsuit shuffled between courts.

The retirees decided to escalate their strategy. On 18 December 2011, around 24 retirees occupied the factory. They demanded that Century Aluminum restore their health care benefits, especially considering the health problems caused by working in the factory. United Steelworkers helped them to organize their encampment right outside the factory entrance. These retirees camped outside of the factory in the bitter cold, with a small group staying overnights. Most of the retirees were in their 70s and 80s and experienced health problems and difficulties during the encampment. Large signs declaring “Occupy Century Aluminum” and “What do we want? Healthcare! When do we want it? Now!” surrounded the tents.

Occupy Century Aluminum was part of the greater Occupy movement at the time, representing the fight of the 99% against corporate greed.

The retirees received considerable support from local politicians, as well as others involved in the greater Occupy movement. On 3 February, Governor Tomblin visited the site, providing support and words of encouragement for the retirees. Leo Gerard, president of United Steelworkers also visited. Senator Rockefeller was also a huge advocate for the occupiers. On more than one occasion, he and his office provided meals.

During the encampment, negotiations continued between Century Aluminum and the union. Occasionally, representatives from the group of retirees went to the meetings to air their grievances and make their case personally.

After 75 days of encampment, on 29 February 2012, retirees and Century Aluminium reached an agreement. The factory promised to restore health care benefits for all retirees and former employees.