Labor unions at steel and heavy machinery makers and shipbuilding companies presented their pay demands Friday to begin this year's expected monthlong round of wage negotiations.
The unions hope to win their first monthly salary increase in four or five years since the companies have paid higher semiannual bonuses, depending on their earnings levels, over the last few years, union officials said.
Organized labor also intends to negotiate with management for higher salaries for part-time workers, they said.