MINNEAPOLIS — Tensions are rising on Minnesota’s Iron Range as a deadline approaches in steelworkers’ contract talks.

Labor contracts are set to expire Tuesday for 30,000 American steelworkers. That includes 2,300 on the Iron Range, an area recently hit by 1,400 layoffs.

According to a press release, bargaining in Pittsburgh has turned contentious in recent weeks, creating the possibility of more protests and lockouts or even strikes.

Steelworker rallies have been held around the nation, including in Minnesota. Steelworkers plan to form a “practice picket line” on Tuesday at ArcelorMittal Minorca in Virginia, Minnesota.

Union officials contend that U.S. Steel and ArcelorMittal are asking for too many concessions. Both companies declined to comment. Both have labor contracts with the United Steelworkers that expire Tuesday.