Tribune Review reported that Mr Kevin Caruso president of United Steelworkers Union Local 1537 led a group of striking Latrobe Specialty Steel employees at the monthly Latrobe City Council meeting.

The workers, whose friends and families gathered in the hundreds at the intersection of Jefferson and Main streets toting signs calling for an end to the more than two month work stoppage, echoed their supporters' pleas in council chambers.

Mr Caruso said that "Latrobe Specialty Steel has not taken into account the impact of this lockout on its employees, particularly those who reside in this community.”

He said that "We want to know what council's stance is on this situation because we feel members of council should do everything they can to ensure the community and its residents are their first priority."