Date: June 29, 2000
Contact: Dave Gossett
Phone: (304) 748-8080, Union; (304)794-1045, pager; (740)264-7529
Fax: (304) 748-8158
Weirton, WV 26062--Mark Glyptis, President of the Independent Steelworkers Union testified today Weirton Steel stands at the brink waiting for an end to tin plate imports from Japanese steelmakers.
Glyptis was in Washington, D.C. today to speak before the U.S. International Trade Commission as part of its final injury hearing on anti-dumping case on Tin Mill Products from Japan.
"We now stand on the brink of actually hiring new workers for the second half of this year, but that is only because of the imposition of the dumping duties against imports from Japan which began in April," Glyptis declared.
The president of the 3600 member union in Weirton, West Virginia, cited local Weirton Steel customers who are able to purchase quality tin plate from Japanese producers for less than Weirton Steel can supply it from a nearby warehouse.
"We are working hard at being the most efficient steelworkers in the world. Please give us a chance at survival," Glyptis implored.
Just last week, the U.S. Commerce Department set final duties on Japanese Tin Plate Products in excess of 95 percent.
"We are very hopeful the ITC will rule in our favor because it will mean long-term relief," Glyptis noted.
The Union chief was joined at the hearing by George Becker, President of the United Steelworkers of America, and Richard K. Riederer, Chief Executive Office of Weirton Steel Corporation.
The trade suit was originally filed by the I.S.U., USWA, and Weirton Steel.
Congressional testimony was also provided at the hearing by U.S. Senators Robert C. Byrd, John D. Rockefeller, both of West Virginia; U.S. Senator Mike DeWine of Ohio; Congressman Alan B. Mollohan of West Virginia; Congressman Bob Ney of Ohio, and Congressman Frank R. Mascara of Pennsylvania.
The governors of Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania sent letters of support to the Commission.
And additional letters of support were sent to the ITC from Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter, as well as a joint letter from the Congressional Steel Caucus leadership in the House of Representatives.
Glyptis said the ITC is expected to make a final ruling on the Tin Plate trade cases some time in August.
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