As people celebrate workers this Labor Day weekend, the fight for better working and health care conditions continues outside of NLMK in Farrell.

It has been two weeks since workers went on strike.

Steelworkers on the strike line said the fight for better working conditions and health care continues in 2020.

Workers who form the backbone of the company and make products customers buy said they're fighting for affordable health insurance for themselves and their families.

"I have kids. I need what I have, or I can't work there with insurance that will double by the time the contract is up. It's just not right," said Michael Nonnemacher, a member of USW local 1016-03. 

For Beth and Randy Bottenfield, health benefits really could mean the difference between life and death. Beth is battling cancer.

She said NLMK stopped their health insurance benefits, and she is waiting for the company to provide information on COBRA or paying for their medical insurance.

"I came here to support these men who work hard and deserve affordable good health care benefits. My blood work and lab work should have been done last Monday, has been canceled," said Beth. "My doctor said, let's let it ride because we don't want to put you under any more stress or aggravation. I just believed I needed to be here for the men and families who have been here for me. I have been wearing a mask and social distancing."

Her husband, who is a union member, added, "Everybody's helped us along the way with this cancer business. We just got to come here, stick together, and help each other out."

The union has filed unfair labor practice charges against NLMK and calls the company's proposals unfair.

"Labor Day means everything to these guys, and to be out on the strike line during a labor day holiday weekend is saddening. We shouldn't be here. This is unnecessary, but the company has forced us into this position," said Todd Clary, Staff Representative for USW local 1016-03. 

Union members and their families thank the community for an outpouring of support, saying they will stand firm in solidarity.

USW local 1016-03 member Ken Stitt said, "We want to work. We are just waiting for a fair contract."

His wife was with him. His young daughter held a sign stating, "My daddy works hard to provide for me and my mommy. Fair contract now."

No one from the company was available to comment.