THE I.S.U. UPDATE

President’s Corner
By: Mark Glyptis

Contract Negotiations

On Friday, March 23, 2001, the Union and the Company entered into an extension agreement until June 8, 2001. This agreement includes retroactive payments for wages and pension increases, if any, to March 25, 2001.Glyptis stated, "This was a very important item for us to attain and I want to thank the Executive Committee and the Steward Body for the solidarity shown on this issue."Members who retire now will be included in any agreement that may include pension increases. This a very important issue for those considering retirement.

Imports

A "Stand Up For Steel" Day was held in Charleston, WV on Tuesday, March 13, 2001. This was to gather support for the steel industry and hopefully get the attention of the President and his administration. Glyptis stated, "Bush knows that West Virginia was a pivotal state in his election. The past administration failed the steel industry miserably, and we are hoping that the new regime will realize just how important steel is to the infrastructure of this country. We will continue our fight against illegally subsidized and imported steel."

International Trade Commission Update

Thelma Askey, whom President Bush had nominated for the ITC, was removed by the President for consideration after overwhelming opposition due to her negative position and voting record on steel related issues. Glyptis stated,
"Pressure from congressional members and letters from steel workers had an impact on her removal from consideration. This is a victory for the steel industry."

Membership Meetings

Your Union officials would like to thank everyone who attended our March 6^th Membership Meetings. The attendance at those two meetings were standing room only and we truly appreciate the support. It is very important to have a show of solidarity during these difficult times. Below you will see our next two scheduled meetings and we encourage everyone to take the opportunity to attend.

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.

Easter Seals

Congratulations to Paul Sicurella, a Weirton Steel emergency technician. His 5 year old son Austin recently received the honor of being named the 2001 Easter Seal Poster Child.
At birth, Austin was diagnosed with Down Syndrome, which is an abnormality in the number of chromosomes that causes mental retardation. Austin has also had two holes in his heart that were surgically repaired when he was 5 ½ months old. His interests are riding a golf cart and bulldozer with his grandfather.
Anyone interested in donating to the Brooke County Easter Seals may do so at: Post Office Box 215, Wellsburg, WV 26070.

Congratulations

Dale Galownia, a crew chief at the B.O.P., with 29 years of service at Weirton Steel, is celebrating his son’s promotion as Manager of Strategic Pricing Initiatives at Cardinal Health in Dublin, Ohio. His son, Kevin, received his Bachelor’s in Economics and Spanish while graduating first in his class at Bethany College.

Benefit’s Corner (Workers’ Compensation)
By: John Balzano

The filing of a WV Workers’ Compensation Claim is always the responsibility of the employee. When an employee is injured while at work, do not assume that the Company will automatically process your claim. The degree of your injury will be the basis for the Company filing that claim. Regardless of the severity of any injury, the employee should always inquire if a claim has been filed on their behalf.
West Virginia law only allows you six (6) months from the date of the injury to file a claim. You are not required to have the Medical Department treat you for your injury before filing any claim. You may go to any physician who participates with the West Virginia Workers’ Compensation for treatment.
Weirton Steel has contracted Acordia of West Virginia to administer and manage our Workers’ Compensation Program. Paul Bailey, from Acordia, is Weirton’s representative. Any questions concerning your claim, call Mr. Bailey at (800) 655-5669. You may also contact your Employment Benefits Clerks.

Last Name A through K
Tawnya Carpini 797-4669 Ext. 1

Last Name L through Z
Sandy Campbell 797-4669 Ext 2.

If any employee requires emergency medical attention due to an illness or injury and is transported from the mill to a hospital, you must contact your PCP as soon as possible to obtain a referral for this visit.

General Benefit Questions?
Contact the following:

Diane Battista SW#1 797-3602
Barb Shipley SW#2 797-3089
Carrie Cooper SS/SM 797-2516
Barb Hatala Tin Mill 797-5043
Joanne Winkler Staff 797-4566

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of previous ISU Updates,
click here.