| Glyptis
TestimonyIndependent
Steelworkers Union President Mark Glyptis was in Washington, D.C. recently in order to
testify before the International Trade Commission on the effects of illegally dumped tin
plate product from Japanese steelmakers. The I.S.U. joined with the United Steelworkers of America and Weirton Steel Corporation last month in filing trade suits against Japanese tin producers. Glyptis told the ITC panel the Union workers at Weirton Steel have been irreparably hurt by the illegal dumping of steel exports and continue to face an uncertain future unless the illegal imports are stopped. Hot Mill Praise As the Strip Steel Hot Mill returns to normal operations, at least one manager has words of praise for union workers. According to a memo issued by Bill Conley, Strip Steel Maintenance Manger, "Thumbs up to all who worked on the Hot Mill outage. For those who worked on the critical path job E1 Edger- a special thumbs up." "And who could say any more about those who changed out the unscheduled reversing rougher motor," Conley wrote. Thank you Volunteers collected nearly $7,000 for the family of the late Marvin "Mel" Clifton. The veteran railroad employee was fatally injured in an accident that remains under investigation. According to railroad union steward Mitch Sarap, the Clifton family was deeply moved by the donation from union and salary employees at Weirton Steel. "I would like to thank everyone who donated at the Union Hall, the millgates and in the offices," Sarap commented. Sarap said railroad employees plan to take up a final collection next month in order to provide extra funds for the Clifton family for Christmas. Anyone still wishing to donate to the Clifton family can give their donation to Sarap or leave the donation at the Union Hall. Strike! The Armco Employees Independent Federation at AK Steel Corporation in Middletown, Ohio is gearing up for a lockout. According to union president Ed Shelley, the company is refusing to discuss four basic issues including a lump sum bonus plan, pay increases, a cash settlement to nearly 2,600 grievances and progressive discipline for safety violations. Shelley said the union also wants to discuss and resolve new hire benefits, seniority and discipline. AK Steel has already locked out United Steelworkers of America members at the Mansfield, Ohio plant and is using replacement workers or scabs to operate that facility. Mountain Top Mining The Independent Steelworkers Union joined thousands of union brothers and sisters recently in Washington, D.C. to protest a federal court order prohibiting coal mining in West Virginia.President Mark Glyptis and several Executive Committee members were part of a nearly 3000 member crowd at the U.S. Capitol. "The rally was at the exact same spot as our "Stand Up For Steel" rally last January, and it was truly inspiring to see all those people united in this cause to save the coal mining industry in West Virginia," Glyptis remarked. He said the United Mine Workers have supported the Independent Steelworkers Union in the past, and it is a case of a union helping a union. |
Byrd Bill
UpdateWeirton Steel
officials continue to say the company will definitely apply for the government guaranteed
steel loan under the provisions of the "Byrd Bill". Weirton Steel is one of several steel facilities hoping to qualify for up to $250 million in low interest loans. The deadline for applying for the loan is December 31. United Way By Larry Swiger The Weirton United Way campaign has been indefinitely extended. According to Campaign Chairman Craig Costello, the campaign was at the 98 percent level but he is optimistic the $400,000 goal will be reached. All of us need to work a little harder to raise an additional $10,000 in order to help the local United Way campaign reach its goal. There are 21 member agencies in the Weirton United Way. Weirton Steel employee donations now stand at 90% of its goal. Hats Off Hundreds of Independent Steelworkers Union members have stopped at the Union Hall to pick up their I.S.U. hat. "The free hat campaign is raising new awareness and pride in the Union," according to I.S.U. President Mark Glyptis. Every single union member is entitled to a free I.S.U. hat. They are either white or grey. Please bring the coupon in this newsletter to the Union Hall and pick up your hat. Wellness Center Update By John Balzano More than 1,500 union members received a free flu shot last month, compliments of the Weirton Steel Wellness Center. The Wellness Center is currently providing glucose screenings to all employees. Other stats from the Wellness Center:
Board of Directors Update The Weirton Steel Board of Directors approved several projects for the year 2000 including tension leveling and a conditioning mill for No.3 galvanizing line in the Sheet Mill. The board also okayed $26 million for year 2000 capital projects. The board was told the Weirton Steel pension plan assets were $692 million as of the end of the third quarter.
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