| Imports UP! The first year of the new century may set a new record for foreign steel
imports into this country.
It’s all being made possible by what is called "import switching" - when
targeted countries ship their steel to another country for importation into the United
States.
According to I.S.U. President Mark Glyptis, it is extremely important for all Union
members to remain focused on the import threat.
"I know we are all a little tired of fighting against the illegal steel imports and
trying to get our own government to stand up for our steel industry," Glyptis
declared.
"But this Union led the fight to the very gates of the White House 18 months ago, and
we must remain teachers in the fight against the illegal imports. We can never quit in
this battle," Glyptis added.
Glyptis said Weirton Steel has turned the corner, but Union members must remain vigilant
in controlling their own destiny.
New Hires
As we go to press, the Company is continuing its quest to hire
qualified employees into the mill within the next few days.
The Union was successful in its attempts to see sons, daughters and relatives be given
another review prior to the hiring decision.
According to I.S.U. President Mark Glyptis, nearly 50 applicants have been re-classified
and will be given an opportunity to be tested and interviewed.
Meanwhile the Company is pressing forward with the internal bid process in order to fill
maintenance jobs.
Apprenticeship meetings are being held at least three times a week as the Seniority Office
and the Apprenticeship Training Program interview and prepare candidates for maintenance
jobs throughout the mill.
Summer Hire
The Union has agreed to a Summer Hire program to be implemented in
addition to the permanent hire program.
Under the terms of our labor agreement, all persons hired for the summer program must be
either sons or daughters of active, deceased, or retired employees.
A lottery system will be used to pick the successful applicants.
And 75% of the summer hires will be sons and daughters of hourly members, 10% will come
from the salary non-exempt ranks, and 15% of the applicants must be sons or daughters of
exempt and excluded salary employees.
Summer hires are paid at 70% of the regular pay rate for the job to which they are
assigned.
Pension Fund Update
The stock market may continue its up and down gyrations, but the
Weirton Steel pension fund remains solid.
As of March 31,2000 (the final day of the first quarter), the Pension Fund had total
assets of $809.1 million.
Important Telephone Numbers
After several requests, the Union finally received a toll free
telephone number for the new uniform company now supplying our employees with
flame-retardant clothing.
Cintas Uniform problems can be addressed by calling 1-800-859-9970. Please contact either:
Tom Clutch at extension 3069
or
Joe Sabol at extension 3026
Thank You
Union brother Randy Swartzmiller has expressed his gratitude to all
I.S.U. members who supported his recent bid for a state delegate seat from Hancock County.
"I will not forget my roots if I am elected in the General Election in November. I
will serve Hancock County with pride and integrity," Swartzmiller stated.
Swartzmiller was one of several political candidates endorsed in the primary election by
the I.S.U. Executive Committee who won his race. |
Kids’ Chance The Kids’ Chance of West Virginia will meet this month in Weirton.
Kids’ Chance of West Virginia is a non-profit organization which provides educational
scholarships to children of workers killed or permanently disabled in workplace accidents
throughout the Mountain State.
John Balzano, Benefits Educator and Coordinator for the I.S.U., serves on the Kids’
Chance board of directors.
"This is an excellent organization that is trying to help those in need because of a
terrible accident involving a parent," Balzano explained.
Continuing Support
The Steubenville City Council has unanimously voted for a letter of
support and encouragement to members of the Union to continue the fight against illegal
dumping and unfair trade of steel.
The council went on to reiterate they support the steel industry and its efforts in
blocking the unfair trade of steel.
Kudos
Our Union sisters who work as benefit persons in the various areas of
the mill have been receiving compliments lately.
One union member’s spouse who wished to remain anonymous was very pleased with the
extra attention and help she received from her husband’s area benefits
representative.
"I knew I could expect to get my questions answered but she went above and beyond to
help me and that really meant a lot to me," the spouse commented.
We have received glowing comments regarding the caring attitude of the various benefit
representatives in recent months.
Contract Time
It must be nearing contract time at Weirton Steel.
We are starting to hear those all too familiar catch phrases again.
At our recent shareholders meeting, Chairman of the Board of Directors Richard Burt led
the way with talk of open-mindedness and creative contracts while warning of tough times
ahead.
We are sure glad Dick Riederer was able to weather the storms of last year to the tune of
$1.7 million.
Yes, we know our profits were based on the MetalSite deal.
But when was the last time Dick Riederer was scratched on a holiday?
Brothers and Sisters
Betty Jo Ciancetta, a senior at West Liberty State College, has been
recently recognized with the Wall Street Journal Award and The Outstanding Marketing
Student Award.
The daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Ciancetta, Betty Jo graduated Magma Cum Laude
earlier this month. Her father Joseph is a Side Trimmer Operator in the Tin Mill.
Betty Jo is also a member of the West Liberty Student in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team which
won a regional championship in Cleveland, Ohio.
For ISU
Election Results,
click here.
For ISU Runoff
Election Results,
click here.
For a complete archive
of previous ISU Updates,
click here. |