THE I.S.U. UPDATE

The Union Executive Committee has announced the endorsement of several lead candidates in the upcoming primary election races in Ohio and West Virginia.
In the Ohio 17^th Congressional District, the Executive Committee is supporting incumbent Democrat James A. Traficant, Jr. in his bid for re-election.
Quite simply, Traficant has gone above and beyond in the 18 month old "Stand Up For Steel" campaign and has either sponsored or co-sponsored every single piece of Steel legislation to come out of the House of Representatives.
For the Ohio House of Representatives 98^th District, the Executive Committee picked Eileen Krupinski to succeed her husband Jerry.
The term limit law prohibits Jerry Krupinski from running this year but a majority of the Executive Committee believes Eileen Krupinski is well qualified to take on the tough issues in Columbus.
And the Krupinski family was very active in the "Stand Up For Steel" campaign last year.
Joe Manchin has won the Executive Committee endorsement in the West Virginia Secretary of State race.
Another very active and strong supporter of our "Stand Up For Steel" campaign, Manchin has the experience and the leadership abilities to help lead West Virginia into the 21^st century.
In the first Circuit Court Judicial race, a tough decision, but the Executive Committee has endorsed incumbent Judge Fred Risovich II for re-election.
Judge Risovich is originally from the Weirton area and the Executive Committee believes he has been tough when he needed to be tough, compassionate when he can be compassionate, but always fair.
We think Judge Risovich should be re-elected as Judge of First Circuit Court of West Virginia.
More endorsements are expected in the coming weeks.

On the Road Again
By Mark Roach

The West Virginia Legislature and Governor Cecil Underwood will observe "Steel Day" on February 21^st in Charleston, West Virginia.
This is the first time a special day has been designated to honor and observe the steel industry in the Mountain State.
Scheduled to speak at a morning reception is I.S.U. President Mark Glyptis, representatives from the United Steelworkers of America, West Virginia AFL-CIO, Weirton Steel Corporation and Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corporation.
This is the first time for steel but we hope to make this an annual event.
Most of the I.S.U. stewards will attend the daylong events and use the occasion to talk to members of the Northern panhandle delegation.

Health Corner
By John Balzano

I would like to remind all union members that employees, spouses and dependents who are admitted to a hospital for maternity care, must notify either the treating physician, the Medical Management Unit (1-800-287-1347) or your Primary Care Physician (PCP) within 48 hours of admission or as soon as reasonably possible.
Failure to make such notification will result in the benefits being paid at the lower level, which would require the employee to pay the deductible and/or the co-pay.

Membership Meeting
By Jim Andreozzi

Several members of the Independent Steelworkers Union are getting involved and running for public office.
In our last issue, we reported that long time I.S.U. member Jack Yost was making a second run for a House of Delegates seat.
And in Hancock County, I.S.U. members Randy Swartzmiller and Kenny Truax are among several candidates squaring off for the two House of Delegates seats in Hancock County.
Swartzmiller is a 17-year veteran of the I.S.U. and says "he will work faithfully and tirelessly for the citizens to elevate Hancock and Brooke Counties to a level of sound employment opportunities and expanded growth."
Truax is a 30 year union member, a member of the Steel Works Community Federal Credit Union Board of Directors for the past six years, and is a member of the Weirton Steel Operations Services United Way Steering Committee.
And Strip steel employee David Midcap has thrown his hat into the ring in the race for Hancock County Sheriff.
Midcap is a Democrat and a 21-year member of the I.S.U.
He was instrumental last year in helping raise funds for the I.S.U. Food Bank for laid-off union members and has promised to restore the D.A.R.E. program to Hancock County schools if elected Sheriff.
These candidates are another example of union dedication.

Recognition

Three Blast Furnace employees have been slated for special recognition.
Earlier this year temporary laborer Joe Gurrera, transferred to the Blast Furnace Hi-Line due to a reduction in the Tin Mill, noticed that coke in one of the Hi-Line bins was burning.
Gurrera quickly summoned his gang leader who called the company fire department. Supervision said the quick action of Gurrera prevented a more serious problem.
And more recently, Blast Furnace Maintenance Mechanic Wayne Swartzmiller and Cast House employee Terry Lewis averted major damage by fast thinking and even faster reaction time.
When the crew couldn’t stop a cart on Number Four Blast Furnace and saw a mudgun tip burn up in the process, Swartzmiller and Lewis quickly grabbed a new massive mudgun tip and quickly replaced the burnt mudgun tip under some very hot and tough conditions. Their actions prevented serious damage.
All three Blast Furnace employees are set to be recognized for their efforts.

Why We Endorse!
By Mark Glyptis

Many Union members often ask me why the Union’s Executive Committee gets involved in local or national politics and endorsements.
First of all, it’s important to note we do not say the Union is endorsing anyone. If you have seen our news releases we always say a particular candidate is endorsed by the Union’s Executive Committee.
Second of all, if there is one thing we have learned from our 18-month "Stand Up For Steel" campaign is our Union has political power that can and should be used for the good of our Union.
Since we have gotten involved in the political process, whether it is telephone lobbying, crowd support, endorsements or just old fashioned rallies like those you saw in downtown Weirton or at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., we have flexed our political muscles.
No, we won’t endorse in every race and maybe we won’t endorse your candidate.
But if our Union can show we do have some political clout, it may come in handy when we need help from those elected officials who view us as an asset.
So we ask you to check out our endorsements, make your own decisions based on the facts, but above all, get involved in the political process by voting.