THE I.S.U. UPDATE

As you know the Company recently announced the sale of a portion of its stake in Metal Site, an e-commerce company conceived and developed by Weirton Steel officials.
The company’s board of directors voted overwhelmingly, in favor of the transaction except for a solid no vote from the three Union board members.
Mark Glyptis, Rob D’Anniballe and George Doty recently released a joint statement concerning the Metal Site transaction. The following is the complete statement by the union board designees:

"We would like to congratulate Pat Steward and his team at MetalSite for taking a highly creative concept and developing a company with unlimited potential.
MetalSite, a business to business e-commerce website is positioned to change the way steel is sold both here in the United States and internationally.
Weirton Steel was fortunate to own 55 percent of MetalSite and its team of managers, we did not endorse this transaction as the disposition of our majority interest in MetalSite may not be in the best interest of Weirton Steel Corporation and its shareholders at this time.
We were also troubled by conflicts that were discussed at the board meeting, which raised questions as to the independence of certain members of Weirton Steel Executive Management and their financial advisors with respect to this transaction.
We hope management will prudently use the capital raised in the MetalSite transaction to enhance the competitive position of Weirton Steel as we face the challenges of the new century."

Profit-Sharing?

The MetalSite deal was only hours old when speculation began in earnest regarding possible profitability based on 1999.
The final audit won’t be completed and announced until late January.
According to Union President Mark Glyptis, if a profit is realized for 1999, contractual language concerning potential profit sharing is ahead of plan.
"There are rules and guidelines that were established in 1984 that must be followed. I can assure you the Union will be monitoring the profit sharing process," Glyptis stated.

Thank you!

The Lou Spano family has issued a sincere thank you to everyone who recently donated to the Lou Spano Jr. fund.
The newborn Spano baby recently died in Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital after a valiant fight for survival.
Lou Spano has been on lay-off status from the mill for more than a year.
Blast Furnace department employees lead by Maintenance Mechanic Kevin Tassey organized a donation drive to help the Spano’s meet funeral costs.
Lou Spano recently visited the Union Hall to express his thanks to everyone.

Contract Ideas
By Mark Glyptis

Although we are still more than a year away from the expiration of our current contract, we are currently preparing a list of potential contract ideas.
Obviously not every proposal will survive the long and arduous negotiation process, but we do want to hear from all of you with ideas.
We are taking proposals on everything from pay raises to subpay issues to health care benefits to retirement pension proposals.
Call or stop by the Union Hall to give us your ideas.

An intensive lobbying effort by retirees from the Independent Steelworkers Union has resulted in a victory for our age 65 retirees.
According to Union Benefits Coordinator John Balzano, Blue Cross of Pennsylvania recently agreed to maintain 1999 premium prices for the first four months of 2000 and will negotiate a permission rate hike before implementation.
"We hooked up with the United Steelworkers of America to exert some tough pressure on the Blue Cross officials. Plus we got some great help from Senator Mike DeWine, and Congressman Bob Ney of Ohio, Senators Robert Byrd and Jay Rockefeller along with Congressman Alan Mollohan of West Virginia and Senators Arlen Specter and Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania," Balzano explained.
Blue Cross of Pennsylvania had originally announced a major rate hike for the over age 65 retirees effective January 1^st.
But Balzano pointed out he now has more time to work out a realistic solution to the cost of the insurance coverage.

Go Pat Go
By Mark Roach

As you know the Union’s Executive Committee endorsed Patrick J. Buchanan in his bid for President of the United States of America.
We are backing Pat Buchanan because we believe he is the one candidate willing to stand up for the American steelworkers.
If you are interested and willing to work for Pat Buchanan in his efforts to gain the Republican Party nomination, please call the Union Hall and register your name and telephone number.
It doesn’t matter which state you live in, if you support Pat Buchanan, call us at the Union Hall.

Blood Drive Winners

Three I.S.U. members have each won a $200 gift certificate for their participation in the December I.S.U. Blood Drive.
According to Nikki Butto of the Union Hall, the December winners were David Englehart, David Klakos and Curtis Pitcock.

The following dates have been pre-scheduled for the year 2000 blood drive:

February 17, 2000 - Rose Room
May 18, 2000 - Gym
September 21, 2000 - Gym
December 7, 2000 - Gym

If you have any questions about the I.S.U. Blood Bank, please call Nikki or Beth at the Union Hall.

Health Corner
By John Balzano

Weirton Steel employees and their dependents can now purchase lancets for diabetes through the PCS program.

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Psychiatric treatment for adolescent dependents is now available at Southwood Center in Bridgeville, Pennsylvania and at the Trinity Medical Center East.

Two new doctors specializing in adolescent psychiatry are now holding office hours at Dr. Cherian John’s office in Paris, Pennsylvania.

Before utilizing these doctors and facilities, employees must call Greensprings at