ISU NEWS RELEASE

Weirton, W.V.-- officials of the Independent Steelworkers Union will meet with West Virginia Senator Robert C. Byrd to discuss the recent passage of the steel, oil and gas loan provision legislation and to personally thank the Senator for his commitment to American Steelworkers.

West Virginia Congressman Alan Mollohan is also expected to attend the private reception at the ISU Hall in downtown Weirton early next month.

Mark Glyptis, President of the 4,000 member union, said the meeting with the senior senator from West Virginia will also include a special presentation by the Union.

"We want to recognize Senator Byrd for his efforts in this year long battle to halt the illegal dumping of foreign steel imports into this country," Glyptis said.

"Senator Byrd has always been a friend to organized labor and especially to the working people of Weirton Steel. We know the special loan provision for the steel industry would not be possible without his direct involvement," Glyptis commented.

Glyptis pointed out the Byrd Bill was managed to passage in the House of Representatives by Mollohan who stayed on the job in Washington, D.C. in spite of a personal tragedy.

"Congressman Mollohan has been a quiet but very effective player in the entire strategy and we owe him a great deal of gratitude for all of his efforts," according to Glyptis.

Glyptis said the steel industry received a major boost from passage of the Byrd Bill but noted the fight against illegal foreign steel imports is continuing.

Byrd and Mollohan will meet first with members of the Union’s Executive Committee and they are then expected to meet with steelworkers following a shift change at the mill