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NILES -- Employees at a local metal manufacturing company are being asked to repay thousands of dollars in a short period of time after they were overpaid in profit-sharing checks.
According to letters Howmet Aerospace employees received, the company identified an error in the calculation of the payments from Quarter 1 of 2025 through Quarter 2 of 2026, and, because the amount exceeded the profit-sharing amount employees are entitled to, the overpayment must be repaid to the company.
The letters show some employees received over $5,000 in tax years 2025 and 2026, resulting in a combined overpayment amount of over $10,000.
An anonymous employee said some employees have to pay less depending on when they were hired, if they got full credits for profit sharing, alleging that the company is also going after any retiree who worked during that period.
The letter states that Howmet is requesting repayment of the total overpayment within 30 days of employees receiving the letter, and if the repayment is not received in that period, the company will implement a repayment plan.
"We recognize that you received these payments in good faith and that the calculation error was not the result of any action on your part. We regret the error," the letter reads.
Derrick Beachum, Howmet's union president, could not be reached for comment Thursday night, and the company's representatives also could not be reached.
A letter union workers received Thursday states that union leaders are aware of the situation, acknowledging it as a "very frustrating and concerning time for everyone."
"Your local union is working closely with the International USW [United Steelworkers], their legal team and the company to find a resolution to these issues," the letter states. "We will do everything within our power and utilize whatever resources are necessary to resolve this matter as quickly as possible.
"In the meantime, we ask that you continue to do what we do every day: work safely, take pride in your work, and stand together. We will keep the membership informed and provide updates as information is verified and becomes available to share."