THE I.S.U. UPDATE

Mark Glyptis, President

November 17,  2000

Larry Swiger, Editor

The Union’s negotiating team has met and identified several key bargaining issues for our upcoming contract negotiations. The following issues are some of those which we have targeted as most important:
1. Pension Improvements - Our Union brothers and sisters deserve better pension benefits. Our retirees should be provided with a sufficient income in order to live out the remainder of their lives in comfort and with dignity and respect;
2. Earnings Security - Our Union brothers and sisters must be provided with a decent income that is not subject to fluctuations which would affect their normal standard of living;
3. Job Security - Our Union brothers and sisters are entitled to assurances that they will be able to continue to perform their jobs without fear that they will be taken away by outside contractors; and
4. Present and future health care benefits - Our Union brothers and sisters, whether active or retired, deserve better health care benefits.

As we enter negotiations, it is important to remember that the American steel industry is undisputably the world’s most productive. The Union’s negotiating team is fully committed to obtaining a good and fair contract for our members, who have helped make our industry the most productive. We continue to ask for your contract suggestions, and thank you for your continued support.

A Real Thanksgiving

It seems as though all we get to talk about or deal with is our problems concerning layoffs, shut downs, illegal dumping, politics, and many other distractions. As difficult as it may seem, there are things to be thankful for. If we have any doubt, all we need to do is look across the river at our union brothers and sisters and see what they have had to endure, with their prior bankruptcy, and rumors of an upcoming one. Many families are affected during those difficult times and some never seem to recover. Although we are facing difficult times with shut downs and uncertainty of our future, it is important to remember to give thanks for everything we have. Enjoy your Thanksgiving day, spend time with those you care about most, and have a safe holiday.

The month of September brought best performance records and best delay percentages on Nos. 3, 4, and 5 Galvanize Lines in the Sheet Mill. No. 3 Line reported 1.73% delays and 117.8% production performance; No. 4 Line reported 2.25% delays, 113.5% production performance; and No. 5 Line reported 2.52% delays, and 113% production performance.
But more importantly the Safety Committee from the Sheet Mill reported zero days away from work (OSHA recordables) and zero dispensary visits. This was a first for the Sheet Mill Division.
Delbert Littleton stated, "Working safely and efficiently should be everyone’s priority and can be accomplished. This was a team effort and a great job by everyone!!!"

Anyone utilizing the Emergency Room for themselves or their families, must call their PCP for a referral within 48 hours. If you are taken to the Emergency Room from the Medical Department, you or a family member must also call your PCP for a referral.

A kickoff for the Primary area was held October 20, 2000, at the G.O. Auditorium. This initial meeting was attended by approximately 70 employees representing all disciplines of the Primary area. I would like to thank the Union officials, bargaining unit participants, and the management team for their involvement in this kickoff.
Many worthwhile projects dealing with production performance, product quality, yield, and cost savings were discussed in detail. Ad-hoc team members from Coke & Iron and also Steel and Slab areas explained how hourly and salary employees are working together to reduce costs associated with their product. Also, a business plan review will be ongoing to keep all employees informed of the key components that affect the bottom line in Primary Operations.
Although many teams are presently functioning, any other interested employees from this area, who would like to participate should contact Dave Turkaly, Facilitator, at 797-3491.
Working together we can continue to make Weirton Steel a stronger and more productive workplace and create a positive work environment.

For a complete archive
of previous ISU Updates,
click here.

Upcoming Events || ISU Homepage || WSX Directors || ISU Officers || Update Archive || Other Links
ISU Update || Stand Up For Steel

Independent Steelworkers Union
2971 West St.
Weirton, WV 26062
Phone: 304-748-8080
Fax: 304-748-8158
info@standupforsteel.com