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Steelworkers Testifying at Steel Caucus Want Industry Revitalized

For Immediate Release                                             June 16, 2009

(Washington, D.C) -- Representatives from the United Steelworkers (USW) union joined with steel industry experts and management today, urging Congress to take steps to stabilize steel production facilities and suggesting how Congress can help restore the industry.

“Operating levels are at such historic lows that the steel companies have had to consolidate operations, said USW District 7 Director Jim Robinson, who represents workers in Illinois and Indiana. “This comes hard on the heels of the prosperity achieved by the consolidated and restructured industry following years of struggle to both save the industry and accomplish that consolidation and restructuring.”

USW Local 1899 President Dan Simmons (Illinois), USW Local 2911 President Mark Glyptis (West Virginia), former USW Local 1190 President Bernie Ravasio and USW Local 1104 President Don Golden (Ohio) and USW District 9 Rapid Response Coordinator Greg England (Birmingham) also testified.

The Steelworkers outlined proposals that will help reinvigorate the industry, including comprehensive health care reform that includes a public option; fair trade laws that do not encourage other countries to prop up their industries at the expense of the U.S.; enforceable global labor and environmental laws that prevent exploitation in other countries; and support for the Employee Free Choice Act that uplifts all workers in our society.

USW International President Leo W. Gerard said that the union will always rise above narrow interests of the global corporations and fight for our workers, our communities, our plants, and our industry.

To read the testimony of those Steelworkers mentioned above, click here.

Contact: Gary Hubbard 202-778-4384; 202-256-8125; ghubbard@usw.org

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