THE I.S.U. UPDATE

Contract Negotiations

On Thursday, April 5, 2001, the I.S.U. Negotiating Committee and the Company met and began the negotiating process by exchanging main table demands. That process is usually lengthy due to the amount of explanation needed for each demand. After the explanation is finalized, a cost analysis is completed for all union and company demands. We have retained a financial expert in this field to provide data to the Union. As we proceed through these negotiations, your steward will be updating you as information becomes available.

Representatives of the I.S.U. met with Senator Edwin Bowman and Delegate Randy Swartzmiller, both democrats residing in Hancock County, as well as Governor representatives, to review legislation recommended by the I.S.U., in an attempt to help find solutions that protect the industry from predatory trade practices.

The purpose of this bill is to provide a cause of action for injunctive relief, costs, damages and attorney fees for any person residing, working, or doing business in this state who are injured by unlawful imports or sales of foreign made products below their value of that same product in their own country.

This legislation would allow the International Trade Commission to determine if a U.S. company or a worker has, by importing these goods, been harmed. The offender could face civil action. Any monies awarded would be divided among the employees of the company that was injured. If any employee believes that they were laid off due to the purchase or selling of foreign steel in the U.S., they would be able to bring action under this bill. Mark Roach, I.S.U. Chairman of the Sheet Mill, stated, "We believe the idea behind this act is a very good one. But there have been concerns about how the legislation might stand up in court if anyone posed a challenge. It’s important that we have sound legislation in place to not only help our industry but anyone that may be affected by the importation of illegal foreign products."

I.S.U. Pension Legislation

Lawmakers in both the House and Senate of West Virginia approved legislation that would help individuals who may lose a portion of their pension due to a plan termination.

This approved legislation would allow an affected individual to be given a personal income adjustment if their company’s financial circumstances would result in a reduction of their pension based on the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) levels. For example, if an employee’s pension is calculated to be $1500, of which only $1,000 is protected by PBGC standards, the difference in the two would be given as an income adjustment to that individual. Age, at the time of plan termination, determines the amount protected by the PBGC.

Office Manager James Andreozzi, stated, "Current law requires corporations to obtain insurance from the government to protect their pension fund at a certain amount. These numbers are significantly lower than what an individual would receive based on their age and years of service. However, this legislation would give them some needed relief."

Mark Glyptis and I.S.U. representatives wanted to express their sincere gratitude concerning all of the legislation and issues that Senator Edwin Bowman and Delegate Randy Swartzmiller have worked for in our behalf. Mark Roach stated that their support and hard work for the northern panhandle is appreciated and does not go unnoticed.

Mark Glyptis added, "Governor Wise has given us an open door policy and has worked hard for the steel industry in the State of West Virginia. He has represented his constituents well, and his dedication is truly appreciated by the Independent Steelworkers Union."

The winners of the February blood drive, which were presented to $200 gift certificates, were: Steve Cool, Robert W. Robinson, and Perry Miotlowski. Our next blood drive is May 10, 2001, at the Millsop Community Center. The hours are from 7:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Anyone interested in attending can do so.

Rebecca Whitco-Baldwin, daughter of Mike and Lorna Whitco of Wellsburg, WV, completed her Associates Degree in personnel at Good Fellow Air Force Base. She received an award for Meritorious Service from 04/27/98 to 04/11/01. She is in the process of a transition run in the ROTC Program at Penn State University, State Park, PA. Her father Mike is a motor inspector in the Tin Mill Division.

John "Skip" Spadafora will be retiring effective April 30, 2001. Skip has 35 years of company service, of which 32 were spent in the Steel Works No. 1 Division at the Caster. He has been a Union official since 1982. He served on the Joint Study Committee which helped form the ESOP; Vice Chairman of Steel Works No. 1 Division from 1982 through 1985; Chairman from 1985 through 1997; and appointed to the Incentive & Rate Committee from 1997 until his retirement. Skip also served on the ESOP Administrative Committee, Health Advisory Committee, and developed the Stand Up For Steel website.

Mark Glyptis stated. " Skip has been a dedicated and important part of the history of the I.S.U. We were very fortunate to have his expertise through ESOP and our contract negotiations. He will be missed, but we wish him the best in his retirement."

Enzo Fracasso, Tin Mill steward, has been appointed by the Executive Committee, to replace Skip on the Incentive & Rate Committee.

The Kamarec family, Tom, Cara, Stacey, and Shelby, would like to extend a special thank you to everyone that has donated to their daughter’s fund. Shelby has been diagnosed with a brain tumor and has had several operations. The Kamarec’s stated that of all the ways that gratitude can be expressed, the simple phrase "God Bless You" somehow seems the best.

John Balzano, I.S.U. Benefits Coordinator/Educator, announced that the Weirton Medical Center’s EAP office is located at 3665 Pennsylvania Avenue, Weirton. Their numbers are (304)723-0771 or toll free (800)243-4962. Trinity East’s number is (740)283-7870 or 283-7860.