THE I.S.U. UPDATE

The Independent Steelworkers Union will join the United Steelworkers of America and Weirton Steel Corporation to fight illegally dumped tin plate product from Japan.
The latest trade suits are expected to be filed this month at the U.S. Commerce Department.
According to the trade suits, Japanese tin plate producers have been illegally dumping tin plate products into the United States for the past year.
So far, Weirton Steel is the only steel company to be actively involved in the latest trade suit.
"But I can tell you we are very pleased the USW got involved in this fight. Their union members are being hurt just like our union members are being hurt," according to I.S.U. President Mark Glyptis.

Bids

Recent maintenance bids posted throughout the plant have prompted a special agreement between the union and the company.
The Executive Committee and Steward body have agreed to ask the company to extend the bid process to out-of-line and laid-off employees if the bids are not filled in the normal process.
According to Company Executive Vice President Craig Costello, there is a real possibility all maintenance bids will not be filled.
"And that’s why we want to extend the bids to our laid off and out-of-line union members," I.S.U. President Mark Glyptis explained.
"Before the company considers going out and hiring new maintenance employees, we want our people to have a chance at these jobs," Glyptis added.
He said additional bids are expected in the coming weeks as the company returns to full operations.

The Governor and the Union

West Virginia Governor Cecil Underwood met recently with the Union Executive Committee for an update on the steel crisis.
The Governor promised to remain involved in the "Stand Up For Steel" campaign and said he will lobby against any easing of domestic steel trade laws.
Underwood toured the steelmaking facilities in the B.O.P. and later met with union members at the Sheet Mill.

Our Opinion

It’s now been almost a full year since thousands marched through downtown Weirton for a massive "Stand Up For Steel" rally at Cove Field.
That march and rally sparked the public awareness of the willingness of the people of the Ohio Valley to fight the illegal dumping of foreign steel.
And that march and rally created the enthusiasm for the even larger rally in Washington, D.C. last January.
There have been those who questioned the need for the Union to be so involved in the "Stand Up For Steel" campaign.
Make no mistake, this union has been the major leader in the fight to save our steel jobs.
And the Union has since been recognized by the political powers as a force to be listened to in the future.
Our strength is through the support and solidarity of our union members.

Wellness Center Update

If you are injured on the job, you must file a workers compensation claim within six months of the injury.
Claims can be filed at the Dispensary but you must file the claim within six months of the injury.

Food Fund

The Independent Steelworkers Union’s Food Fund will be making a distribution to all laid-off Union members within the next few weeks.
According to Office Manager Jim Andreozzi, the Food Fund has again reached a financial level to make another distribution possible.
"We are continuing to collect donations for the Union Food Fund through donations at the Union Hall and the Payroll deduction plan," Andreozzi explained.
"We have sent letters to the eligible laid-off Union members and they can pickup their vouchers at the Union Hall during regular business hours. The vouchers are redeemable at Shop N’ Save grocery stores" Andreozzi stated.

As We Go To Press

The Company’s manpower office last week was starting the Tin Mill shuffle.
Only three people accepted labor bids to the Blast Furnace so another 10 people are needed to complete the required positions.
Five people are needed in the B.O.P. to fill vacancies as that department gears up for a 21 turn schedule.
And three people are needed in the Strip Steel.
Of course, all manpower moves are subject to change.

Cancer Awareness

The company will offer an information session on breast cancer awareness to all female union members.
The program is designed to make women more aware of the dangers of breast cancer.
More than 44,000 women die every year from the disease.

Donations

Anyone wishing to donate to the Marvin "Mel" Clifton family can still do so by giving the donation to their union steward or dropping it off at the Union Hall.
Clifton was fatally injured last month in a railroad accident near No. 1 Blast Furnace.
The investigation into the cause of the accident is continuing.
Meanwhile union officials have met with railroad employees since the accident to gather ideas on how a similar accident can be prevented.

Hats Off

For the past several months union members have been seen proudly wearing their I.S.U. ballcaps. And now every I.S.U. member can join the hat ranks.
The Executive Committee has authorized the purchase of enough I.S.U. ballcaps for every single union member.
All you have to do is bring the coupon in this I.S.U. Update to the Union Hall to receive your free I.S.U. ballcap.
Show your Union pride and wear your I.S.U. ballcap.