THE I.S.U. UPDATE

President’s Corner
By: Mark Glyptis

Imports

In order to save the American steel industry and our jobs, we must continue to pressure Washington for a comprehensive plan to deal with this continuing steel import crisis. American steelworkers have suffered and sacrificed enough. We have earned the right to expect our government to level this playing field so that American steelworkers can compete in a fair market. Given this opportunity we can compete with any country.

Negotiations

The negotiating process is continuing on local issues. We expect to begin working on main table issues soon. Since the beginning of ESOP in 1984, we have accepted modest wage and benefit improvements. During the past 20 years, production in the steel industry has increased by 174%, while real wages (adjusted for inflation), have stagnated. Brothers and sisters, we want our company to be successful, but the fact is what happens in the steel industry will not be affected by furthering our standard of living.
Our 1996 labor agreement resulted in significant flexibility for management. This flexibility allowed senior management to award bonuses to themselves for what they perceived as doing a "good job". We expect fair compensation for our members. Other important items that we feel are necessary to attain in our upcoming labor agreement, are as follows:

a. Protect retiree benefits;

b. Improved health care for both active and retirees;

c. Employment security for all groups: Professional, S.N.E., and the Hourly bargaining units;

d. Attain industry wages.

The Executive Committee, stewards, and I are dedicating ourselves to achieve these goals for you.

Boycott

How can you help save American jobs? Buy American products, services, etc.
Big business will continue to supply foreign goods as long as we are willing to purchase them. If it is made in America - Buy American.

Membership Meetings

Brothers and sisters, more membership meetings have been scheduled (see below).

All of us have many things in our personal lives that keep us busy. But your attendance at these meetings is very important. All issues discussed at these meetings may not affect you directly, however, they do affect a union member. So please attend these meetings and show solidarity through these difficult times.

March 6, 2001 - Knights of Columbus

10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

April 3, 2001 - Knights of Columbus,

10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

April 24, 2001 - Knights of Columbus

10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Weirton Steel Wellness Center Activities

Cholesterol Class

Where: Weirton Medical Center
Date: March 19, 2001
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

CPR Class

Where: Penco Road
Date: March 27, 2001
Time: 6:00 p.m.

Please call the Wellness Center to register - 797-5105 or 797-5108.

Registration is required!!

Cardiac Risk Assessment Schedule runs throughout the month of March. Look for schedules posted throughout the mill.

Thank You!!!

Carol Nixon, a nurse at the Medical Department recently lost her 15 year old son, Matt. Mary Ann Bocek, Doug Aceto and co-workers organized a collection at the gates to help defray funeral costs. After being presented with the donation, Carol stated,. "Our family truly appreciates the kind consideration of not only the members working the gates, but especially those who gave generously. This just confirms my belief that there are caring people that will respond to someone’s needs when asked. God Bless all of you who participated. You are in my family’s prayers."

Gate Volunteers

If you are interested in volunteering to collect donations at the gates, when a need arises, please contact Mary Ann Bocek, at 797-4235 (work), or 723-2433, (home).

ITC Nomination

Thelma Askey has been nominated to the six member board of the ITC. Ms. Askey has been considered an ardent free-trader not sympathetic to domestic steel interests. Askey casts votes against the domestic steel industry in all 34 cases.
Rockefeller stated, "Ms. Askey’s reappointment would only accelerate the deteriorating condition of our manufacturing base and allow foreign producers to continue trading unfairly in our market."
Mark Glyptis stated, "We will do whatever is necessary to try and block her confirmation. She has not been a friend to the steel industry and has continually cast negative votes regardless of overwhelming evidence in illegal dumping cases."
Benefit for Shelby Kamarec

Shelby Kamarec, daughter of Strip Steel employee Tom Kamarec, has had to undergo several operations for a brain tumor and is scheduled for another one in the near future. A benefit is scheduled for March 18, 2001, 2:00 p.m., Serbian-American Cultural Center. For ticket information ($20), contact Hair We Are, 3356 Penna. Ave., Weirton, WV, (304)723-2187. Anyone wishing to make cash donations can send them to: Shelby Kamarec, United National Bank, PO Box 2500, Weirton, WV 26062.

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