LOCAL 1010 STEELWORKER 4th Qtr. 2010 East Chicago, Indiana Volume 21; No. 2 “DOING THE RIGHT THING” Award
Doing the Right Thing We see programs come and go, we want a culture change in how the USW Local 1010 membership approaches each and every job large or small, easy or hard; you see we only want to make safe steel. We have a lot at stake we are the ones on the front line perform- ing the work task. “Doing The Right Thing” Award If you were told, “Go ahead and just “Doing The Right Thing” Award On April 14, 2010 do the job, it’s always been done this On May 27, 2010 way.” What does that person have in Ramiro Muro Tyron Pearson the game? What are they putting at risk? a #4 Steel Producing RHOB Operat- a #4 Steel Producing employee was Why would any USW Local 1010 ing Technician observed the Caster assigned with a crew to clean a dust Member want to risk life or limb just to Craneman in the process of picking up spill at the Cadre Baghouse. Tyron get’er done? How can you work, or a treated heat off the turntable. As it questioned if the dust was hazardous, work overtime while you are injured? was lifted approximately six inches he after he read the procedure it was de- What if you loose your life, who gets noticed the “blind side” hook was not termined they were handling the dust your pension? fully engaged. He immediately told the incorrectly. He informed the rest of craneman to set the ladle back down. President Tom Hargrove enacted an his co-workers and they stopped the His quick actions and Shared Vigilance award to recognize the USW Local job immediately. Tyron questioned the avoided a potentially serious safety in- 1010 Members that say NO to this cul- way the job was being done and didn’t cident. ture of Get’Er Done. assume the job was being done the safe Good Job Ramiro! It’s called the Presidents “DOING way. His quick actions and Shared THE RIGHT THING AWARD”, and Vigilance prevented his co-workers in this issue of the Steelworker we from a potentially serious incident. would like to share with you the recent Good Job Tyron! recipients of this prestigious award.
We make the Job Safe, or WE DON’T DO IT! Page 2 4th Qtr. 2010 “DOING THE RIGHT THING” AWARD
“DOING THE RIGHT THING” “DOING THE RIGHT THING” “DOING THE RIGHT THING” AWARD AWARD AWARD On July 8, 2010 On July 8, 2010 On July 8, 2010 Ike Peterson Ken Renn Dave Ruder a # 4 Steel Producing employee and a MEU employee and co-worker Dave a MEU employee and co-worker Ken co-worker Rusty Williams assisted get- Ruder were repositioning a manlift in Renn were repositioning a manlift in the ting Steve West emergency assistance the scrubber roadway at # 4 SP. A scrubber roadway at # 4 SP. A nearby for injuries suffered after an explosion nearby Pugh Ladle exploded causing Pugh Ladle exploded causing brick and which caused brick and hot slag to be- brick and hot slag to become airborne. hot slag to become airborne. After come airborne. After debris had After debris had stopped falling, they debris had stopped falling, they noticed stopped falling, MEU employees Dave noticed Steve West coming from the Steve West coming from the south Ruder and Ken Renn noticed Steve south around the thickener. He had around the thickener. He had burns on West coming from the south around the burns on his abdomen and neck and was his abdomen and neck and was disori- thickener. Steve had burns on his ab- disorientated. They also noticed Steve entated. They also noticed Steve was domen and neck and was disorientated. was headed back near the explosion headed back near the explosion site. They also noticed Steve was headed site. They took quick action and They took quick action and stopped back near the explosion site. They took stopped Steve, preventing him from Steve, preventing him from going back quick action and stopped Steve, pre- going back into that area. About that into that area. About that time a truck venting him from going back into that time a truck showed up with Rusty showed up with Rusty Williams and Ike area. About that time a truck showed Williams and Ike Peterson from #4 SP. Peterson from #4 SP. All of them placed up with Rusty Williams and Ike All of them placed Steve West in the Steve West in the vehicle and took him Peterson from #4 SP. All of them placed vehicle and took him to emergency sta- to emergency station 145 and called for Steve West in the vehicle and took him tion 145 and called for emergency medi- emergency medical help. Their Shared to emergency station 145 and called for cal help. Their Shared Vigilance and Vigilance and immediate quick actions emergency medical help. Their Shared immediate quick actions stopped Steve stopped Steve from going back into that Vigilance and immediate quick actions from going back into that area enabling area enabling Steve to get immediate stopped Steve from going back into that Steve to get immediate emergency emergency medical assistance. medical assistance. area enabling Steve to get immediate Good Job Dave! emergency medical assistance. Good Job Ken! Good Job Ike! We make the Job Safe, or WE DON’T DO IT!!! Steelworker Page 3 “DOING THE RIGHT THING” AWARD
“DOING THE RIGHT THING” “DOING THE RIGHT THING” “DOING THE RIGHT THING” AWARD AWARD AWARD On July 8, 2010 On July 16, 2010 On July 16, 2010 Rusty Williams Keith Hopkins Ryan Keen a # 4 Steel Producing employee and and co-worker Ryan Keen was directed and co-worker Keith Hopkins was di- co-worker Ike Peterson assisted get- to work on a Pugh car at the Car re- rected to work on a Pugh car at the ting Steve West emergency assistance pair building. They arrived at the job Car repair building. They arrived at for injuries suffered after an explosion site and noticed the jacking stands (Crib- the job site and noticed the jacking which caused brick and hot slag to be- bing) did not have any proof of being stands (Cribbing) did not have any proof come airborne. After debris had load tested, which caused concerns for of being load tested, which caused con- stopped falling, MEU employees Dave their own safety if used. They brought cerns for their own safety if used. They Ruder and Ken Renn noticed Steve this issue to the attention of their im- brought this issue to the attention of their West coming from the south around the mediate supervisor. The supervisor told immediate supervisor. The supervisor thickener. Steve had burns on his ab- them the steel fabricated cribbing has told them the steel fabricated cribbing domen and neck and was disorientated. been used in the past at Car repair and has been used in the past at Car repair They also noticed Steve was headed was adequate for the job. Ryan and and was adequate for the job. Ryan back near the explosion site. They took Keith refused to use this cribbing since and Keith refused to use this cribbing quick action and stopped Steve, pre- there was not any proof that these had since there was not any proof that these venting him from going back into that been load tested. The supervisor con- had been load tested. The supervisor area. About that time a truck showed tinued to insist that they use these jack- continued to insist that they use these up with Rusty Williams and Ike ing stands, so Ryan and Keith requested jacking stands, so Ryan and Keith re- Peterson from #4 SP. All of them placed Safety Relief and was prepared to be quested Safety Relief and was prepared Steve West in the vehicle and took him sent home. At that time, the supervi- to be sent home. At that time, the su- to emergency station 145 and called for sor told them that load tested cribbing pervisor told them that load tested crib- emergency medical help. Their Shared was available at the Pugh Ladle repair bing was available at the Pugh Ladle Vigilance and immediate quick actions building. Ryan and Keith went to Pugh repair building. Ryan and Keith went stopped Steve from going back into that ladle and picked up the correct load to Pugh ladle and picked up the correct area enabling Steve to get immediate tested cribbing. They then proceeded load tested cribbing. They then pro- emergency medical assistance. doing the job safe way with the proper ceeded doing the job safe way with the Good Job Rusty! equipment. Ryan and Keith’s actions proper equipment. Ryan and Keith’s demonstrate the true meaning of “Make actions demonstrate the true meaning the job Safe or don’t do it!” of “Make the job Safe or don’t do it!” Good Job Keith! Good Job Ryan! Page 4 4th Qtr. 2010
Union Safety Committee Report Safety Committee 398-3100 x120 or 121 [email protected] Ivan Agosto - Chairman 397-6934 Cell: 712-5631 Nick Valle - Vice Chairman Cell: 808-5377 John Gelon - Secretary 690-1523 From left: John Gelon, Nick Valle, Don Jones, Ivan Agosto Cell: 406-4190 Don Jones - Safety Coordinator 838-4210 The Safety Committee Report Cell: 712-5610
As we start the forth quarter our to- returning. Your Safety Committee and training and education programs tal injuries for IH Flat Carbon have in- Safety Advocates helped provide Ori- throughout the plant. USW Local creased by alarming numbers. This time entation training with a strong empha- 1010’s goal is to have all polices and last year we had 324 total injuries, to sis on safety for all of the work force. procedures in place and start the train- date this year we are at 613 total inju- Congratulations to the Long Carbon ing in the first quarter of 2011. ries. USW Local 1010 Safety Commit- employees on their safety performance, We just sent twenty-two health and tee recommends that we all “Take keep up the good work! safety representatives to the 2010 Two” and “Think it Through” check out All Department and Area Safety USW Health, Safety and Environment the job assignment / task at hand, think Committee’s need to take a closer look Conference in Pittsburgh, PA. Many about what you are doing. Utilize safe at all the incidents (accidents, near USW local unions and employers find job procedures; also fill out a hazard misses, equipment damages) in their benefit during the conference to meet assessment form for all work assign- areas. We must eliminate all hazards as a group and discuss their issues and ments weather routine or non-routine. and risks that you or your co-workers concerns they face on the shop floor. Do the right thing! Change can only are exposed to. There were many key note speakers happen when we take the necessary Our Joint Safety Committee is in the from the United States and Canada steps to perform our jobs safely. The sharing their views on health, safety current direction is creating a danger- process of reviewing and revising our plant polices and procedures. Assigned and environmental matters that our ous and backward step on our Journey workers face in the work place and our to Zero. committees are currently working on the following polices and procedures, communities that we live in. The work On the other hand IH Long Carbon confine space, hot work permits, lock- shops were great. The Union Safety has only experienced 2 Lost Workdays, out/verification, gas hazards, incident Committee is committed to providing 10 OSHA Recordable and 21 total in- investigations, crane inspections, pipe training, education for our safety rep- juries. Plant 4 was shutdown last year, identification, asbestos and emergency resentatives and advocates this helps than reopened the first of this year. This action plan just to name a few. Once us achieve our goal of ensuring us a was accomplished with about twenty- new policies are in place we will do healthy and safe work place. We all go five percent of the original workforce home the same way we came to work!
We make the Job Safe, or WE DON’T DO IT!!! Steelworker Page 5
Riverdale Safety Committee Gary Bender - Griever (773) 216-9481 Eric Meyer - Safety Coordinator (815) 685-1999
From Left Gary Bender, Eric Meyer
Riverdale Safety Report
Riverdale was able to go from 5/19/ motions of saying they believe in safety 09 to 7/7/10 without a lost time acci- (Act). They have committed them- dent. One of our most important selves that if safety is their number one changes/practices that helped make job, then they need to make time to this possible was our pre-shift safety make it their number one thing they do UU talks. The shift managers of each de- each and every day by taking action to partment take 15 minutes before each address the safety concerns of the shift begins to discuss a daily safety Employees. Safety is not an act, safety NN topic and address any safety concerns is action! the employees may have. Area man- Riverdale has also been working on agers and the plant manager also at- other safety issues such as, updating II tend these meetings reinforcing that; the training of Employees on mobile safety at Riverdale is everyone’s job equipment operator training including and also emphasizing that “We Make forklifts and mobile cranes. We have OO the Job Safe, Or We Don’t Do It”. been installing new fall protection sys- Another key element is that when tems throughout the mill and improving safety concerns are brought up in the our confined space program. We also NN pre-shift meetings everyone gets feed- teach all Employees that they have the back as soon as possible as to the sta- right to refuse unsafe work. tus of the concern and any remedies The Riverdale location feels that as that have taken place or are planned long as management and union continue (Action). to work together, our safety will con- The union’s observation is that the tinue to improve. If safety is the most biggest difference we see is, Riverdale important part of everyone’s job, then YEYEYES!S!S! management is treating safety with make the time to take action on safety actions and not just going trough the each and every day.
We make the Job Safe, or WE DON’T DO IT!!! Page 6 4th Qtr. 2010
US Corporations Celebrate Record breaking Low Total Injury Rates By Daniel Walters
October 3, thru October 8, 2010 was breaking low Total Injury Rates,” Texas City, Texas Killed 15, Injured not only National Fire Prevention week, Bill stated. Followed by some interest- 170. The BP refinery in Texas City is it was the time set aside for the United ing statistics he had gathered during his the third largest refinery in the U.S. BP Steelworkers Annual Health, Safety, research. employees and contract workers began and Environment conference in Pitts- 2005 British Petroleum celebrates To- an especially dangerous procedure: re- burgh, Pennsylvania. USW Local 1010 tal Injury Rates Eight times below the starting a unit that had been down for had a delegation of members in atten- national average. repairs. They began to fill a tower with dance lead by President Tom Hargrove, gasoline. The tower overflowed, and including Ivan Agosto, Don Jones, John Tesoro Corporation, the National Pet- the excess gas flowed into a back-up Gelon, Dan Walters, Luis Aguilar, rochemical and Refiners Association unit, which then also overflowed and Charles Switzer, Robert Kesler, Rafael (NPRA) presented the Anacortes re- sent a geyser of gasoline into the air. Colon, Ed Chambers, Gail Richardson, finery numerous prizes over the years – “merit” and “achievement” and ANACORTES, An explosion and fire Kevin Lawrence, Jim Spasoff, Ken at the Tesoro Corp. Washington state Churilla, Lawrence Person, Ed Medina, “gold” including two last year. Tesoro notes on its web site that this recogni- oil refinery shook homes and shot flames Ron Kaszak, Gary Bender, Eric Meyer, into the night sky early Friday April 2, Dave Michalak, Reyes Rodriguez, and tion is for reducing “recordable injury rates”– the lost-time injuries that must 2010, at about 12:30 am killing five Roger Blashill. We attended morning people and critically injuring two oth- be reported to OSHA.
from the marine riser because American compa- onto the rig, shooting nies are reverting back to 240 ft into the air. This management stiles like was followed by the Fordism, Taylorism remem- eruption of a slushy com- ber the River Rouge plant. bination of mud, methane How about Herbert W. gas, and water. The gas Heinrich and his book In- component quickly dustrial Accident Preven- transitioned into a fully tion, A Scientific Approach gaseous state and then in 1931. Heinrich’s work is ignited into a series of the basis for the theory of explosions and a Behavior-based safety, Deep Water Horizon April 21, 2010 firestorm. An attempt to which holds that as many as activate the blowout preventer failed. 95 percent of all workplace accidents better measure of safety than “Lost At the time of the explosion, there were are caused by unsafe acts. time and OSHA Recordable Injuries” one hundred twenty six crew members is well taken, as shown in his examples Why are American companies so re- on board. Seven were employees of BP, of low numbers while Corporations luctant to just follow OSHA’s top man- seventy-nine of Transocean; also em- continue to kill members in workplaces date and Engineer out the hazards? ployees of various other companies that contain unsafe work conditions that Provide a workplace free of recognized were involved in the operation includ- are either ignored, or failed to correct hazards. ing Anadarko, Halliburton and M-I in a timely fashion. Swaco. Eleven workers were presumed Remember “Doing the Right Thing,” killed in the initial explosion. Numerous What happened to corporate America’s and, “We make it safe or We DON’T injured workers were airlifted to medi- favorite sayings of the 1990’s? “Work- DO IT!” cal facilities. ers are our number one resource!” You Dan Walters haven’t heard that one for a long time; So Bill Hoyle’s point that we need a USW 1010 Safety Committee Plant 4 Area 27 By Ron Kaszak The odds were against us but we did it. People came from every walk of life; This is as much your Union as it mine. We restarted Plant 4 with an 80 % Incumbents, retired, some had previ- The old-timers won’t be here forever. brand new workforce. Everyone busted ous mill experience many did not. In New leadership needs to be on the ho- there backs, bargaining and salaried less than a year I’ve witnessed people rizon. I find it hard to believe I’ll have alike. We had many obstacles to over- that have seemingly been thrown to- 32 years of service in November. come and we still have a ways to go. gether and have transformed ourselves There has been a lot of overtime lately. into a great workforce. It was like a * Safety / Injuries Those of you with young kids, there only Plant 4 boot camp! I am very impressed. young once. Once there grown you * Training Safety has been a big ticket item lately. can’t get that time back. * Scheduling There have been far too many acci- By December 5th 2010 the Company * The infamous AWS (alternate work dents and near misses. We have to learn and the Union will revisit the Plant 4 schedule) from every one of them! Be your broth- Mutual Agreement concerning the con- ers and sisters keepers. Get involved * Contractors tractors. We will keep you informed. with safety, the Department Safety Sincerely, * Personal issues like illnesses, death Committee (DSC) and get to the Union in the families, daycare. Hall on the first Thursday of the month. Ron Kaszak Plant 4 Griever Page 8 4th Qtr. 2010
It is Vitally Important to Vote This Year
By Rep. Dan Stevenson
Indiana House of Representatives,
and member USWA Local 1010
As the election season draws to a sponsored legislation aimed at weak- tiations could be wiped out with the close, it is becoming even more ob- ening working families rights such as single stoke of a Republican vious how important this election is they did in the years they controlled legislator’s pen. to working families. Pollsters are the House. Also, if the Republicans gain control, speculating that anti-worker Repub- During those years, on a state level not only will we constantly be defend- licans could make major gains on the we saw Republicans (who gained ing gains we previously made, but we national and state levels. If this hap- control of both chambers of the Indi- can forget about any future gains for pens, not only would the “anti-work- ana legislature in 1994 and 2004) at- working families, including unemploy- ing family” Republicans have free tack and erode our collective bargain- ment benefits and workers’ compen- reign over the state legislature to at- ing rights. Our friends in the building sation benefits improvements or tack state laws that currently protect trades came under an unyielding at- workplace safety such as the bill I working families, they would also at- tack against their rights in several ar- will again be filing this year to hold tack long standing worker protections eas, as did our teachers and public corporate bosses accountable for and rights on a national level. In ad- education in general. The Republi- workers safety. dition, they would have total control cans even tried to turn back the clock While working families cannot match over the redistricting process to draw on the child labor standards that pro- the millions of dollars that “anti-work- new boundaries for the state legisla- tect our children. Had they been suc- ing family” organizations such as the ture and U.S. Congress. This could cessful our children would have no Manufacturers Association and the have long term devastating effects on longer been able to enjoy the protec- Chamber of Commerce dump into the working families as it would make it tions they have today. campaigns of the anti-worker Repub- more difficult to regain control and licans, we have the ability to go to stop the attacks. Since the Republicans already con- trol the Indiana Senate, as well as the polls in large numbers and stand Over the past several years, (with a controlling the governor’s office, up for our rights by voting for candi- couple exceptions) workers have ben- should they become successful and dates that support working families. efited from a Democratic majority in gain control of the House, there On November 2nd Vote for labor en- the Indiana House of Representa- would be nothing to stop them from dorsed candidates and help protect tives. While the gains for workers eliminating all the rights working fami- our workplace rights by supporting have been modest, the major benefit lies currently enjoy. Years of gains those who support us. has been in defeating Republican that have been made through nego- Steelworkers support Stevenson For State Represenative Steelworker Page 9
Field Forces Report Pass the Buck Please! thing is locked out properly and tested We would like to shed a little light of contractors and the payment gains before we get to the job! Not every on a subject of deep darkness! This won in arbitration to the Union mem- lock-out is on the computer and these subject makes our top guru of MEU bers gives way to a heavy burden that guys test and check to make sure we Maintenance (Sr. Division Manager) the Company pays in order to protect get’er done safely. A lot of times they tremble in agony. It causes our Com- that “Budget”. Maybe we could go take a lot of shit from bosses but in the pany leaders to buckle at the knees with back in time to an old Company slogan end 99.9% of the time they are right. its rippling effects creating an environ- “DRIFT” (DO IT RIGHT THE ment of hostility, lying and cheating Ernie does cranes, brakes, tie-offs, FIRST TIME). The great thing about amongst our top Brass and flows down you name it and if the company gives this process though is that the money hill and never ends. If you have not fig- him any shit he lights up the phone from double work payouts does not ured it out by now here it is the “Bud- banks for backup from OSHA and the come out of MEU’S “Budget”. Who get”. The whole Department of MEU rest is history! Ed Chambers (newest the hell knows which budget ends up and the Company has felt its impact. Advocate) and David Horn know carrying that burden as long as it is not The group that feels the most pain where to lock-out everywhere in the MEU’S. We should probably just call though when all the games have played mills and always question management it “Pass the Buck” instead of “Bud- out by the Company in order to main- no matter who it is to make sure we get”. tain his precious “Budget” are the are safe. Some departments call on our Stockholders. The Stockholders are On the other hand our Area 32 advocates in certain situations for their paying the price in dollars and cents to Union officials would like to shine a lot advice. And then there is Eddis Clark a protect this “Budget” through the of light on “Safety” and the Advocates quiet guy, but if you need some infor- schemes of management by “Contract- and ASC and DSC members in our mation he will look into it and get’er ing Out” and not abiding by the Basic department who pave the way for our done! We all give these guys shit some- Labor Agreement. The Company has safe arrival to the gate at the end of times but they do not cave in and they paid double for many jobs that they lost the Day! Quoting one of our senior re- are always there to help us out in any through arbitration which is also a very tired Wiremen (Bob Arvidson) let’s way possible. Thanks for your “Dili- expensive path to take for both the “give’em some credit”. Our Advocates gence in the Safety Arena” Union and the Company. With the use spend a lot of time making sure every- McMahon & Connell VOTE Shelli VanDenburgh, State Representative District 19
Shelli understands the importance of Union Representation. Her husband, a steelworker and member of USW Local 1066, was injured on the job. She knows first hand how vital it is to improve the worker’s compensation laws in our state and will continue to fight for the necessary changes to protect workers on the job. Steelworkers support VanDenburgh For State Represenative Page 10 4th Qtr. 2010
Insurance & Benefits 398 -3100 Fidel Azcona Extension 117 Jerry Strauch Extension 112
Brothers and sisters of local 1010, we * Keep your spouse updated by turn- Please take advantage of all your hope all of you and your families are ing in a coordination of benefits form benefits, The Union has fought hard for doing well. The winter weather will be (COB). these benefits and just as hard to keep on us soon, so remember to gear up for In the last issue of our paper I went them. winter safety, on the job and at home. over the rules to receive S&A benefits. One last note; we should be receiv- Fidel and I are available to serve and It is your responsibility to get the S&A ing a letter from the company before assist you with any questions and con- form. Fill out your information on the the open enrollment sign up period. cerns you may have on health care, top, have your Dr. fill out his portion Which is Oct 18th to Nov 12th . This retirement, or any benefit that you may and return it to the west annex. letter will have information on the new need assistance with. We are at the * Save your EOB’s (explanation of Health Care Reform Act that will go union hall Monday-Friday 8am to 5pm. Benefits). The EOB has all the details into effect Jan,2011. You can call us at 398-3100 ext 112 or needed. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY you 117. * Date of service-the provider-bills may be required to list all your depen- Some frequently asked questions on charged-discounts-deductibles and co- dents, including children up to twenty- retirement; pays. All this information is used to de- six years of age. They cannot be eli- * All retirements commence on the first termine what was paid and why, and gible for coverage under their employer. day of the month you retire. what you may owe the provider. The We will be receiving more informa- * Special payment is nine weeks pay EOB is your documentation used to tion on Health Care Reform and keep plus any unused vacation time. This is prove you were billed correctly. you updated on this issue. As always if based on 2% of last years w-2, you * If your spouse works and is paying you have any questions or concerns, will receive this lump sum payment one a premium you qualify for the Spousal either stop by the hall or call us. month after you retire. Reimbursement benefit. You will be re- In Solidarity * First retirement check will come to imbursed for any cost over $120.00, but Jerry and Fidel you on the fourth month following your you must turn in the reimbursement retirement. form. * Example; retirement date-January 1st Special payment-February 1st Alcohol or Drugs a Problem? First retirement check-April 1st A Members Assistance Committee member is at the Hall every * Direct deposit- if you sign up for di- Thursday and is available to help with Substance Abuse or Be- rect deposit your special payment will havioral Problems. Or you can call them at the numbers listed be mailed to your home, your first re- below. tirement will be deposited into your banking account. If you have any ques- Nationwide consultation is available 24/7 from Value Options at tions please come to the union hall or 800-332-2214. Value Options is the Care Administrator for all call us. Substance Abuse and Behavioral issues. Referral and certifica- * Remember to turn in your student tion by Value Options can substantially reduce your out-of- forms to keep insurance on your chil- pocket cost. dren, who are attending college as a full time student and eligible for cover- Local 1010 Members Assistance Committee age. Dave Lomellin (219) 397-0902 Paul Johnson (219) 364-1284 Steelworker Page 11
Who Needs the Union, Anyway?
By Jim Gogolak, Inner Guard
During my many years as a union repre- the guys at the hall are the best in the in- Another is pensions and retiree benefits. sentative, I’ve heard some variation of dustry. They are constantly working to Increases in this arena mean that we will “Who needs the union?” many times. And enforce the contract at all levels, making begin negotiations from a higher starting it always is born of a lack of understanding sure we all get a fair deal. Winning tough point each successive contract. Sooner or or an unwillingness to accept that the cases is simply an indication of how good later everyone benefits. Our Union has also Union works for all of us, not just individu- they are, not a sign they are not working secured better wages and opportunity to als. for all of us. Some bosses will try to get advance more quickly, especially in the you to believe that, but don’t fall for it. crafts. I could go on and on about things Every job the grievance guys save and our Union has negotiated for all of us, but One argument that often comes up is: every case they win is better for all of us as you get the idea. “Since we have the Occupational Safety a whole. If you never need to file a griev- and Health Act (OSHA), the government ance, consider yourself lucky. But if your will take care of our health and safety.” But luck ever runs out, consider yourself lucky “Who needs the union, anyway?” is a rhe- the problem with this idea is that OSHA to have a solid Union with a strong Griev- torical question posed by frustrated people can set the best standards in the world, ance Committee. who cannot get everything they want and but the agency has limited resources for find it easier to blame the Union for their enforcement. Besides that, the standards perceived losses. But I’d like to take a shot are not strict enough to protect everyone’s Contract time usually brings out some dis- at answering the question as though it were health without question. Our Union helps sention about the Union, because not ev- a real one. police OSHA compliance and often gets eryone gets everything they want. Nego- management to agree to standards better tiations are just that: both sides say what than those required by OSHA. Our safety they want and work to find some middle Who needs the Union? People who want a program’s slogan says it all: We make the ground. Some issues are non-negotiable, decent paycheck. People who want to go job safe or we don’t do it. Try to find that which means sacrifices sometimes need to home healthy and in one piece. People who in an OSHA manual. be made in other areas. New hires often would like to retire sometime and have a want higher wages and benefits, but pension and benefits that will allow them couldn’t care less about retirement ben- to. People who want to have some self- Another thing I sometimes hear is: “I’m a efits. Older workers are often willing to respect and some respect from manage- good worker and a good employee. I stay sacrifice a little to get a better retirement. ment. People who want a good contract out of trouble, so I don’t need the union. Our Union goes to the bargaining table af- and some means of enforcing it. People All the union does is protect the trouble- ter listening to workers’ concerns at pre- who want protection from hostile and vin- makers.” People with this perspective will negotiation sound-off sessions. The bar- dictive bosses. People who appreciate the often refer to someone who they think gaining team takes a balanced approach to bargaining power gained by working for should have been fired, but the union try to get the best deal they can for every- the benefit of all. saved his or her job. And the truth is, we one. As far as I’m concerned, Tom have a damn good Grievance Committee Hargrove, Jim Robinson and the entire bar- that often wins cases that seem hopeless In short, we all need a Union – each of us gaining team have done a great job, espe- for their own priorities at any given time in or negotiates settlements thereby saving cially in a shaky economy. jobs. their careers. Some of us are too short- sighted or bull-headed to admit it, though. One example this is medical benefits. We And as far as the criticisms leveled at our But saving jobs is only one function of the have the best medical benefits around. guys down at the hall: Hey, they aren’t Grievance Committee. Dennis Shattuck and perfect, just damn good. Page 12 4th Qtr. 2010
LABOR DAY IN THE U.S.A. In 2010 By Joe Gutierrez
“These are the times that try men’s and leave misery in their wake. Full time room two blocks from ground zero. souls.” The Supreme Court ruled that work with benefits is rapidly becoming Such issues are only exploited to divert corporations are persons, that corpo- a thing of the past. Our country is in our attention from what is truly impor- rations now have souls. That decision crisis. tant. Corporations hide behind front allows corporations to spend unlimited Someone said that in a progressive so- groups subsidizing the ‘Tea-Baggers’ amounts of money to defeat political ciety there is nothing permanent except just as they did the ‘John Birchers’ - candidates who do not ascribe to their change. In 2008 we voted for change, groups that breed hatred and intimida- political agenda to secure more wealth but the obstinate leadership of the Re- tion to wipe out entitlements. Imagine and power at the expense of working publican Party has shouted a resound- where we would be today if the Re- and middle-class families. Among those ing NO to any change. They stand publicans had been successful in priva- corporations are some that siphon our against America’s recovery by block- tizing Social Security? Rest assured – resources and move off-shore to avoid ing progress just to defeat President their goal to eliminate this social safety paying taxes. And some are foreign Obama. They are responsible for the net for all Americans has not disap- owned. most severe, damaging obstruction of peared from their agenda. We must Our country is in crisis. Given the anti- progress in generations. They de- refuse to be intimidated into silence. union rhetoric foisted upon a citizenry manded the deregulation of big banks We must stand together in solidarity and starving for work, the celebration of rather than protecting ordinary Ameri- continue to fight for the Employee Free Labor Day seems futile and duplicitous. cans, and fought for ‘Big Insurance” Choice Act, which has all but disap- Corporations and their minions are de- in the battle for health care reform. peared in the hallowed halls of Con- stroying the middle class. Unfair trade They support profitable companies that gress. laws slowly but systematically siphoned move to third world countries and Right- We must question those who just say away our jobs leaving communities dev- to-Work States simply to avoid unions. NO to everything. We watched Bush astated as effectively as the worst Their lack of empathy for working scuttle the agencies created to protect natural disaster. The aftershock of people exacerbates the pain of unem- workers and their families reducing those tumultuous agreements rumbled ployment. The sad sound of their shal- them to nothing but empty words. That roughshod through the signatory coun- lowness echoes endlessly through mentality made a mockery of oversight tries leaving them poorer and without empty factories and boarded-up homes. and regulation, all of which nearly col- hope. We lost 75% of our manufactur- Those same Republican Representa- lapsed our economy and came home ing jobs, and unemployment continues tives who voted without question for to roost in a coal mine in W. Virginia to skyrocket. The true numbers exceed unlimited spending under the Bush ad- and now the Gulf of Mexico. Do the 17% in many parts of the country. ministration refused to extend unem- Republicans really believe that the av- Boarded-up buildings and padlocked ployment benefits for laid-off workers erage American has forgotten the ter- fences dot our landscape. The hous- with the lame excuse that doing so rible damage inflicted on our country ing market has collapsed. Many neigh- would discourage them from looking for with their eight years of failed ‘leader- borhoods have been reduced to deso- work They cry about the economy ship’ in Washington? We must remem- late skeletons of a once vibrant soci- and the lack of jobs, but voted against ber the past and look to the future. We ety. The family without work and no a Jobs Bill that would have created jobs need unions now more than ever. “The promise for the future is disintegrating. and helped small businesses. They cry summer soldier and the sunshine pa- The taxpayer bailed out Wall Street and about the deficit yet fight to maintain triot will, in this crisis, shrink from the they bailed out on us. Greed and lar- the Bush tax cuts for the very wealthy, service of his country; but he that ceny accelerates the continuing deci- which would add trillions to the deficit. stands it NOW, deserves the love and mation of our middle class. Aided by What hypocrisy! thanks of man and woman.” And the self-serving politicians, manufacturers These are hard times and the national fight goes on. who deserted the towns built around debate should be about jobs, not a Mus- Joe E. Gutierrez - Retired their factories reap exuberant profits lim community center with a prayer USW Local 1010 Union Official Steelworker Page 13
The Union Advantages James W. Harris Assistant Griever, #2 Steel Producing
I recently interviewed a lady that going to the hall and asking for help works at a non-union Company. I will because there is no hall and there is no tion. That is why it is important to talk not disclose her or the companies’ Union. This lady I interviewed fears to a Union Representative. I guarantee name. She fears reprisals from her su- for her job every single day. On a daily that if this Representative does not pervision up to and including Termina- basis she observes co-workers being know the answer to your question, I will tion. She’s been working for this com- terminated. There is no “probable find out. The thing that really eats at pany for 14 years. Her starting pay was cause” for drug testing at her company. me is when a union brother or sister bad $ 7.00 an hour and each raise she has They take hair samples and urine raps the union to a member of manage- received over these 14 years has been samples at will. They get no pension ment. We can only guess as to why they minimal at best. Her work record is and the 401K they did have when the would do this? The old saying:” united outstanding with never a reprimand. It company started they took away. we stand divided we fall” is oh so true. Bosses love it when we as brothers and just so happens that this company If you have a complaint they do have sisters don’t show a unified front. Then makes at least 1 million dollars a day. the Human Resources Department we also have a few 2 legged rats that The way the company is set up the su- which is run by (you guessed it) more walk around with their heads so far up pervisors make an unbelievable amount supervisors. If you get fired for any the bosses butt you need a ‘come a of money and the average hourly reason there is a Review Board that long” to pull them out. In this day and worker gets jacked. For example, some you may or may not get a chance to age unity is the key for a union’s sur- of their upper bosses i.e. equivalent to go in front of. Hey guess what? The vival. Even the 2- legged rats need the manager of steel making shop make Review Board is comprised of five su- union when the company jacks them about $250,000 per year. That pervisors, no hourly workers. Only wit- around. Most of the 2 legged rats in the supervisor’s boss makes $500,000 per nesses that are directly relevant to your mill that I have had to deal with were year. You would think they would want case are allowed into your hearing. The all self-centered. They were that way to share the wealth with the employ- medical insurance is paid for by the in grade school, high school, and the big ees that work their butts off for them, employee. It comes out of your check mill. You know the ones that hide be- NOT! They get no bonuses or any com- on payday. The company has a habit hind their job all the time. If you are pensation other than a paycheck. Their of firing the workers with the most se- called to the office and there might be employee turnover rate is up there in niority because they make a little bit possible discipline involved be sure to the clouds somewhere. As far as their more money so the more years you contact one of your Union Representa- absenteeism policy goes she told me bust your butt for the company the odds tives, it’s your right. Remember, you that there is a 10- point system per year. increase that you’ll get terminated. have the right to request safety relief if Each call off is considered 1 point. If What a bunch of Boot Heads. These you feel the work is unsafe. you call off on the holiday or weekend are just some examples of what it’s like it’s considered 2 points. If you’re late for an employee, who always went to Before I forget, I want to give a big for work or have to leave early it’s con- work and did her job, to have to deal shout out to the Taggers (M.Mable, sidered ½ point. Here’s the kicker, if with on a daily basis working in a non- J.Langreder, J.Dabu, D.Martinez Jr, you accumulate 10 points you are fired. union shop. E.Nelson, D.Jones Sr, and S. Warner) If you have a slight disagreement with down there in TCO. They took an old I am so grateful that I work at a another employee (not even dukin’ it beat up office and cleaned it up real Union shop. Our Steelworkers local out), you are fired. She also stated that nice, really showed a lot of Local 1010 1010 is one of the strongest Unions in the bosses there are very arrogant and originality. If you see someone that is a the United States. I am honored to have self-centered. Sounds familiar? Yea veteran just go up and shake his or her been elected as an Assistant Griever they pretty much got you on a limb. All hand and tell them thank you. for # 2 Steel Producing. Unfortunately, the company has to do to terminate you there have been times we may have Respectfully Submitted is tell you “we feel that it would be in heard one of our union workers bad the best interest of the company that James W. Harris rappin the union at the mill. Most of we have to let you go”. There is no Assistant Griever, #2 Steel Producing the time it is because of misinforma- Page 14 4th Qtr. 2010 Third Annual Local 1010 Scholarship essay Award Winners Unions and the Middle Class By Brandie Werblo It has been said that the working people built America. These working people are your typi- unionized establishments often offer more for- cal middle class citizens. Unions have helped mal training that non-union. This helps the in the past to protect middle class workers from worker perform their job efficiently and safely. being exploited by their employers. In the Many unions are affiliated with the ICD, In- 1820’s a union sought to reduce the working stitute for Career Development. This allows day from 12 hours to 10. They were successful for workers to further their education. These and would later succeed in creating the 40 hour middle class citizens are now more educated. work week. Unions were also among the first With the recent economic recession unions are Should something happen and these citizens to offer the middle class benefits. These ben- protecting workers and helping them to con- were to loose their job, they are now more mar- efits included, but are not limited to, paid health tinue being employed. Those I unions can usu- ketable and have improved their chances of find- care and pensions. Throughout the course of ally not be fired unless there is a just cause. ing employment once again. history these same unions have helped to pro- Unions strive for the fair treatment of their Unions are a vital part in American society. tect the middle class workers working condi- workers and are willing to stand up for them. A Without the assistance of unions the middle tions as well as their economic conditions. To 2008 study showed that those who work for a class could have very easily fallen into poverty this day unions are continuing to help the work- union on average earn 11.3% more than non- levels during the current recession. The unions ing citizens. union workers. This is an equivalent to $2.26 are keeping the middle class working and thus per hour more than those who do not work in a help to stimulate the economy. Unions help During the Great Depression unions helped to union. This money helps the middle class boost bring America back onto its feet. In 1935 the the middle class to work in safe conditions. A the economy. The majority of the population number of unions provide ways for workers to National Labor Relations Act granted workers in the United States is a part of the middle the right to bargain collectively. They were en- continue their education which helps the middle class, and thus an important aspect of the class workers to move ahead in life. Unions couraged to fight for their rights. The increase economy. in union movement helped the middle class to give benefits to workers that would otherwise survive the Great Depression. Now in the A 2003 study has shown that union workers be costly and difficult to obtain. Furthermore 2000’s Unions are once again helping the middle are on average more productive that non-union unions keep wages competitive and provide class to survive. workers. This is partially due to the fact that the middle class with a better quality of life.
Taking Back America Unions and the Middle Class One way to boost a waning economy is by By Phillip Foreman purchasing more goods. This purchasing causes Throughout American history, the formation more money to be circulated between businesses of unionized workers has proven to be the driv- and the people. As stated before, though, the ing-force of the American middle-class. In 1954 American middle-class was not compensated when the United States started to experience appropriately, giving them less purchasing an economic upturn, 35% of workers were power. With less purchasing power, fever goods unionized. Unfortunately, the current union situ- will be purchased from a market which has over ation is quite different from the 1950’s. Cur- erage 11.3% higher than non-union workers produced, creating a surplus of goods. This eco- rently, only 12.3% of the American workforce (Madland). Unfortunately for the middle-class, nomic cycle led to a recession for the American is unionized, and the middle class is struggling the amount of unionized workers has been economy, leaving countless people of the to operate during an economic recession gradually declining. middle-class financially weak. Shortly after the middle-class experienced the impacts of the re- (Ahrens). The decline of unionized workers had Along with the steady collapse of unions, there cession, the corporations of America also be- decreased several benefits which empower the was another main contributor to the fall of the gan to crumble and face economic hardships. middle-class. If unions reform, causing in- middle-class. During periods of high economic creased wages and purchasing power, then the growth, workers’ wages and workers’ produc- Currently, the American economy is undergo- American middle-class will recover from the tivity were positively correlated. When pro- ing a period of stagnant recession, waiting for current economic recession. ductivity increased, the workers would benefit some event to trigger an expansion in the Over the years since the formation of unions, with higher wages. This relationship eventu- economy. A possible solution to the economic numerous researchers and studies have con- ally became less significant from 1980 to 2008. downturn is the increased formation of unions. firmed specific economic impacts of American During this economic boom, workers still con- As displayed in past history, the increased for- unions. Unions typically raise the wages of the tinued to be highly productive, but they did mation of unionized workers has proved to employees that they represent, increase ben- not receive appropriate wage increases. From stimulate the middle-class to economic success efits of the employees, and enhance productiv- 1980 to 2008 worker productivity grew by 75%, by increasing wages and purchasing power. By ity of each worker in the economy as a whole while worker’s wages only increased by 22.6% passing government regulations and constitu- (Voos). Even during the road to recession, the (Madland). This unjustified difference eventu- tional amendments which allow for union to be presence of unions can be found making posi- ally caused the middle-class workers to be paid formed more easily, then the increased creation tive impacts. Within a four-year period of 2004 less, causing them to have less purchasing power of unions will occur, allowing for the middle- to 2008, union workers were being paid on av- in an over productive economy. class to rise back to power. Steelworker Page 15 Third Annual Local 1010 Scholarship essay Award Winners
Unions and the Middle Class through the years as well. I also know it was By Zackary Djurick the persistence of the Union movement’s I have lived a good life. The USW has taken struggle that created the “Middle Class” that I care of my father and I quite well, and it is now benefit from. It began as a dream of a bet- because of them that I will have the awesome ter lifestyle, manifested into reality, and now is opportunity to pursue my dream this fall in the standard of living known as the middle class. college as a musician in the music production Currently I’m about to experience the next level and engineering field. and been driven in nice cars. I have always been of education. Registering for college has exposed I have not experienced being laid-off, on strike, able to afford doctors when I’m ill, and have benefits I will continue to need, benefits from or been fired. I haven’t worked in the cold, always had a good meal at the end of the day. I others who have sacrificed in the past to help heat, dark, dust, or grease. I’ve never worked in sincerely value what I have received from the secure my future. Benefits I’ve taken for granted or near atmospheres of dangerous gases or bil- Union, not only material objects from wages such as medical attention I might need. Basics lowing fire and smoke. I’ve never considered earned, but chances that have been presented that I need and use such as dental, vision, pre- the dangers of working at heights or depths at to me and doors that have been opened as an scriptions, and other benefits I am not even which I would be afraid of falling from or into. affect of my fathers career. aware of. All paid for by my Dad’s Steelworker I’ve never considered what kind of safety equip- I know that these things didn’t happen over- contract, and all still available to help me while ment I should wear when I go to my summer night. Many of my relatives were immigrant I’m away at college. job. Loud, is the volume I listen to my music, farmers from small villages in Europe. They I simply cannot imagine my life any differ- not the deafening sounds of industrial machin- came to seek “The American Dream”. I know ently. The Union has been there for me all my ery. that the improvement in quality of life started life, and it has not gone unnoticed. I would like I have experienced always living in a nice house. taking place as my Great Grandfather became a to thank the USW yet again, and agree that the I’ve always lived in a nice neighborhood, with Steelworker, and that generations of my family concept of Unions and the Middle Class goes nice friends. I’ve always attended nice schools have kept this trend alive as they participated hand in hand just as the USW logo displays.
Unions and the Middle Class To provide an example of how a union posi- By Heather Watson tively affects its member, my uncle was a mem- Unions are the foundation of the middle class, ber of a union throughout his thirty-two year and the middle class is the foundation of soci- employment. My uncle was provided with ety. The middle class is made secure by the health benefits, good pay, and a pension that formation of unions, which are defined as “an was a direct result of his union membership. organization of workers joined to protect their Following his retirement in 2006 at the age of common interest and improve their working employer. Unions are the best way to ensure 58, my uncle enjoys a lifestyle that would not conditions.” The success of a population is that companies are reasonable in providing for be possible had he not been a member of a dependent upon the middle class because the their employees. Employee bargaining is prob- union. middle class is the biggest part of society. If the ably the reason that union workers earn ap- Without a union, a company may become to largest part of society fails to thrive, society as proximately 30% more salary than their non- powerful. This will lead to the demolition of a whole will deteriorate. union counterparts (alfcio.org). This type of the middle class. For example, if the Chief Ex- It is no wonder that the functionalism of the bargaining allows employees and employers to ecutive Officer of a company suddenly decides middle class is dependant upon the strength of maintain a strong line of communication. to cut wages in order to better fund his or her unions. As part of a union, an employee is al- Furthermore, union workers are more likely to personal ventures, union workers can have a lotted a voice in regards to his or her employ- enjoy employee benefits than workers who do say. Unions are the best way to ensure that ment. Without a union, the middle class would not belong to a union. For example, most union such an overtaking does not occur. This type of be set back hundreds of years to a time where workers enjoy a pension after retirement. With organized labor secures that the company will seventeen hour workdays and unhealthy con- a pension a worker will continue to receive pay- be a democracy rather than a dictatorship. ditions were prominent among places of em- ment long after he or she has retired. This en- Unions make the middle class strong. A strong ployment. These poor working conditions do ables an average worker a chance to retire at a middle class leads to a strong society. Without not make for a comfortable and maintainable relatively young age and maintain a comfort- this strong foundation, companies could par- lifestyle, which seem to be the goals of the able lifestyle. Along with lifestyle, union work- take in “big government,” in which they be- middle class. ers are also often provided with health insur- come corrupt and overtake employee rights. Also having a voice on the job provides a chance ance, which is essential to avoid massive Unions are, without, a doubt, the best way to for the employee to bargain pay with his or her healthcare cost. maintain order and fairness within a workplace. Page 16 4th Qtr. 2010
AFL CIO Endorsements 2010 AFL CIO Endorsements 2010 Type Race District First Name Last Name Party Type Race District First Name Last Name Party Federal Senate Brad Ellsworth D State House 27 Sheila Klinker D Federal House 1 Peter Visclosky D State House 29 Joseph Weingarten D Federal House 2 Joe Donnelly D State House 30 Ron Herrell D Federal House 3 Thomas Hayhurst D State House 31 Joe Pearson D Federal House 4 David Sanders D State House 34 Dennis Tyler D Federal House 7 Andre Carson D State House 36 Terri Austin D Federal House 8 W. Trent VanHaaften D State House 37 Scott Reske D Federal House 9 Baron Hill D State House 42 Dale Grubb D State Sec. of State Vop Osili D State House 43 Clyde Kersey D State Treasurer Pete Buttigieg D State House 44 Nancy Michael D State Auditor Sam Locke D State House 45 Jesse James D State Senate 1 Frank Mrvan, Jr. D State House 46 Bionca Gambill D State Senate 4 Karen Tallian D State House 51 Codie Ross D State Senate 6 Jim Metro D State House 55 David Moeller D State Senate 11 Catherine Fanello D State House 56 Phillip Pflum D State Senate 15 Jack Morris D State House 60 Peggy Welch D State Senate 21 Chuck Sosbe D State House 61 Matt Pierce D State Senate 25 Tim Lanane D State House 62 Sandra Blanton D State Senate 26 Sue Errington D State House 63 Daniel Steiner D State Senate 29 Robin Shackleford D State House 64 Kreg Battles D State Senate 31 Frank Anderson D State House 66 Terry Goodin D State Senate 38 Timothy Skinner D State House 68 Robert Bischoff D State Senate 39 Steven Thais D State House 69 David Cheatham D State Senate 41 Chris Roller D State House 70 Paul Robertson D State Senate 45 James Lewis D State House 71 Steven Stemler D State Senate 46 Charles Freiberger D State House 72 Shane Gibson D State Senate 47 Richard Young D State House 73 Ryan Bower D State Senate 48 Lindel Hume D State House 74 Russ Stilwell D State Senate 49 Patty Avery D State House 75 Mike Goebel D State House 1 Linda Lawson D State House 76 Bob Deig D State House 2 Earl Harris D State House 77 Gail Riecken D State House 3 Charlie Brown D State House 78 Steven Smith D State House 5 Craig Fry D State House 80 Phillip GiaQuinta D State House 6 B. Patrick Bauer D State House 81 Winfield Moses, Jr D State House 7 David Niezgodski D State House 86 Edward DeLaney D State House 8 Ryan Dvorak D State House 89 John Barnes D State House 9 Scott Pelath D State House 91 Timothy Huber D State House 10 Charles Moseley D State House 92 Brett Voorhies D State House 11 Dan Stevenson D State House 94 Cherrish Pryor D State House 12 Mara Candelaria Reardon D State House 95 John Bartlett D State House 13 Chester Dobis D State House 96 Gregory Porter D State House 14 Vernon Smith D State House 97 Mary Ann Sullivan D State House 15 Timothy Downs D State House 98 William Crawford D State House 16 Bill Reutebuch D State House 99 Vanessa Summers D State House 17 Nancy Dembowski D State House 100 John Day D State House 19 Shelli VanDenburgh D State House 21 Dwight Fish D State House 24 Timothy Banter D State House 25 Jeb Bardon D State House 26 Paul Roales D
Steelworkers support AFL-CIO endorsed Candidates’ Steelworker Page 17
Why vote November 2, 2010? It’s a good question, really. By Rosa Maria Rodriguez
Our government makes decisions every day that affect our lives, the working family. By voting, we can make sure that our leaders in government focus on the working family priorities and take the needs of the worker and our families into account. We need a guarantee that our leaders will create a better balance between work and care without compromising on financial security. We need to ensure our children a quality education to compete in the global market. We need a decent living wage jobs and better rights to safe work. We need to build infrastructure that connects communities and not divide them. We need an economy that works for all Americans and not just a few.
This election is a choice between parties with very different values and beliefs. Us, who understand working families and believe in our American future. Or, Them, who what to impose the Right to Work law (“Right-to-work" is the wrong labor and economic policy for our nation. Because union security is vital to the finances of a labor organization to operate, "right-to-work" laws represent a state-sanctioned policy of union suppression.) “Them” want to cut services our families and communities rely on. “Them” want to go back to policies of fear, fear of each other and our American future. “Them” continue to send our job oversees and are receiving foreign funding for political campaigns. Democrats Republicans, the Party of “NO”
√ Bills Done BILLS HAVE BLOCKED/ATTEMPTED TO BLOCK
2010 Defense Appropriations Bill, the amendment NO-it would withhold defense contracts from companies and enalizes companies that restrict claims of sexual assault restricts their employees from taking workplace sexual assault, nd discrimination to arbitration. battery and discrimination cases. Health Care making sure every single American has NO- POWER: limiting the power and control of the government ccess to affordable, effective health care coverage. Better over the people; the fear that control over healthcare choices is ccess to healthcare for children and adults. Increased just the beginning to control over citizens' lives. unding for medical research and curing disease. Lowering rug cost for seniors. Tax Breaks for Small Business and mainstream NO - say it’s a waste of money and small businesses would benefit Americans instead of big business. Increased loans to more with the Bush tax cuts extension. Small business lending bill. mall business. Improve Healthcare for Veterans NO -Homeless Women Veterans and Homeless Veterans With Children Act. Cash for clunkers NO- government interference in private industry and an example of the “stupidity coming out of Washington right now.” Comprehensive Wall Street reform and consumer NO- help for small businesses rotection The Stimulus Bill which created or saved million of NO- Sstimulus Bill, wasteful spending they say is in the stimulus obs package.
Other Democratic Accomplishments Other Republicans the Party of “NO” Credit card Bill of Rights to protect consumers NO-Filibuster money for unemployed Americans at home Stopping torture of prisoners of war NO- Financial reform Pursuing green energy and jobs improving emissions and NO- Political Ad Disclosure Bill fficiency standards Reduction of nuclear arms worldwide NO – Immigration Windfall Oil profits tax bill Increased sanctions on Iran and North Korea NO - Oil Spill Liability Increased education funding NO – Health care for the 9/11 First Responders who go sick from being at Ground Zero
When Republicans controlled all 3 branches of government they: Shipped American jobs off to India and China, deregulated the markets, created two wars, killed 6,000 Americans, overspent $7 trillion, chanted “DRILL BABY DRILL” without having an emergency plan for future disasters, oversaw the largest expansion of government in history, dismantled the NEA, tried to use the constitution as a weapon of discrimination, squandered our surplus….YOUR VOTE NOVEMEMBER 2, MATTERS FOR YOU, YOUR FAMILY, OUR NATION! Page 18 4th Qtr. 2010
Brad Ellsworth
Fighting for Indiana’s Working Men and Women
* Supported the Recovery Act to make critical investments in our infrastructure and puts Hoosiers back to work. * Voted to require Recovery Act projects to use American-made steel. * Fought against unfair Chinese trade practices that hurt American steelworkers. * Will insist that trade agreements are fair to American workers and will close loop holes that encourage companies to ship American jobs overseas.
Dan Coats: Sold Out American Workers
* Coats voted for NAFTA, a job killing trade agreement that has led to the loss of thousands of Indiana jobs. * Coats worked for a lobbying firm, King & Spalding, that specializes in teaching CEOs how to fire American workers and ship their jobs overseas. * Coats and his firm represented several manufacturing plants in Indiana that have outsourced more than 1,000 jobs, many of them union jobs, to Mexico and Canada. www.ellsworthforindiana2010.com
Steelworkers support Ellsworth for Indiana Steelworker Page 19 EXERCISE YOUR RIGHT VOTE Tuesday, November 2, 2010 GENERAL ELECTION DAY Polls are open 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., prevailing local time.
“Let us never forget that government is ourselves and not an alien power over us. The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a President and senators and congressmen and gov- ernment officials, but the voters of this country.” Franklin D Roosevelt Page 20 4th Qtr. 2010 Steelworker Page 21
SAFETY HAS TO BE Darrell Reed A TEAM EFFORT Vice Chairman, Grievance Procedure Don Guerrero # 4 SP
We have been having a problem with Walk Away!!!!!!!!!!! the unsafe condition reports (UCR’s)at wait for a arbitration decision, and 4 SP. According to our department’s finally, if the Arbitrator rules against procedure the UCR’s should be entered the grievant and you have less than Pressure, strain, tension, and especially as safety work orders (SFS). The de- 30 years of service; you would be force that tends to distort a factor that partment has not been willing to do this. eligible at age 60 for a fraction of a induces bodily or mental anguish, ex- An SFS has to be completed within a 30 year pension. Last but not least, no treme pain or distress especially of the maximum of 90 days. If it is not, it healthcare insurance. mind; in other words STRESS becomes delinquent. If it becomes de- linquent they have to answer to upper This mindset also defines many of our But, I have good news; you can walk management and the union safety com- members and is the root cause of the away. You can walk in the opposite mittee as to why it was not completed. many recent altercations between fel- direction to avoid conflicts and save It promotes accountability. low bargaining unit employees. How- your job, your insurance, your No news on project X incentive, the ever; let it be known the company does healthcare, your pension and your companies offer got worse. I am look- not acknowledge this frame of mind as marriage. ing into other issues which may be ad- a mitigating circumstance in regards to versely affecting our incentive. I will verbal or physical confrontations and update you when I find out anything. WALK AWAY! the discipline thereafter. On 8-29-2010 ladle 431 burned through under the furnace. For those who don’t If you have a problem with a co-worker The Company Will Fire You! know, the root cause was a missed la- or supervision, contact our highly quali- ser. The ladle was lasered after the fied Civil Rights Committee, lead by 76th heat on the ladle. It should have For whatever reason it may be: Luis Aguilar, Gail Richardson and Tina been lasered after the 79th heat, it Social pathic tendencies, family O’Reilly. Telephone the union hall ext burned through on the 80th heat. The matters, death, drugs, alcohol, money 115. procedure has been changed. If a ladle problems, gambling (THE BOATS), If you have stress, contact our Em- can not be lasered, the ladle has to be excessive overtime, lack of over-time, ployee Assistance Committee, David parked. mental disorders; whatever the Lomellin or Paul Johnson at 398-3100 If you see a ladle spill, notify the Caster reason may be, one or more of the ext 117. They will get you some help foreman and also let me know. These aforementioned stress related prob- promptly. need to be documented by an event lems could lead to a confrontation report or a near miss report. This is with a co-worker. I reiterate, the the only way to correct the problem. DARRELL E.REED COMPANY will fire you and your The department is getting better about co-worker. VICE –CHAIRMAN GRIEVANCE not questioning the ladles that are too After the fact, the Union will fight an PROCURE full, and pouring the excess out to intense battle to regain the sister or achieve adequate freeboard. brother’s job back. Let it be known Quote of the month ; AS WE GROW Remember in a fight on company prop- the process is excessive in regards to AS UNIQUE PERSONS ,WE erty there are no winners. time consumption (weeks, sometimes LEARN TO RESPECT THE months) if we have to go to arbitra- I feel all of your representatives and UNIQUENESS OF OTHERS! tion. Punitive to your pockets (loss safety advocates I have had the op- wages), bad for your health, no GOD BLESS OUR MILITARY IN portunity to work with this term have benefits for the grievant or his/her THE MIDDLE EAST AND done an excellent job. Mike Mikula is dependants after discharge, while we ALL OVER THE WORLD. Continued on page 22 Page 22 4th Qtr. 2010 Don Guerrero Continued from page 21 really a diamond in the ruff. He puts 110% into being your safety advocate. Local 1010 wishes all our We are lucky to have him. Continue to fill out the “CLAIM FOR 1st, 2nd and 3th Qtr. 2010 OVERTIME” forms for 6th and 7th days. If you follow the master sched- Retirees a long and happy retirement! ule the only time you should have to fill out the forms is when your off day, for what would normally be your 6 day week, falls on Saturday or Sunday. The other time is when your turn gets changed. If you have not filled out the Retirement . . . I am SO busy now, how forms to claim your 6th and 7th day, you still go back and file for any weeks did I ever find time for work? after September 1,2008. If you need any help filling out the forms, feel free — Unknown wise person to call me. (219-309-3890) Elections are coming, there is no bet- ter way for your voice to be heard than exercising your right to vote. If you have any issues contact one of your representatives or safety advo- cates, no issue is too small. Talk to us Legal Problems? before a little issue, becomes a big is- sue. Need a Lawyer?
4 SP REPRESENTATIVES Local 1010 members can take advantage of a free legal Don Guerrero Griever consultation every Wednesday at the Union Hall from: 219-309-3890 x3135-3585 8:30 am - 9:30 am* Dave Lomellin Assistant Griever 219-805-0902 x1260 and Art Trevino Steward 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm* 219-796-7179 x3135-3585 Provided by the Law Offices of Jeff Morey Steward 219-730-7000 x3450 Steve Dovellos Steward Joe Banasiak 219-808-9101 x3303-3304 2546 45th Highland, IN 46322 or Call 219-924-3020
SAFETY ADVOCATES Mike Mikula 219-880-5678 Michael Bosch x1262 John Walker 219-608-9249 x8326 & Jim Spasoff x2388 Alexis Dedelow Don Clinton 219-608-9248 x5757 8320 Kennedy Ave. Highland, IN 46322 or call 219-972-3030 Marvin Strong 219-608-9250 *Times are approximate USW 1010 Hall 219-398-3100 Steelworker Page 23
1st Quarter 2010 Retirees
AARON, HUBERT 37 12 INCH B M MATTHEWS, CHARLES R 41 2 STEEL PROD ABEYTA, SIMON D 30 4 STEEL PROD MCCAMPBELL, LINDA S 31 SYS TECH ALLENBAUGH, RONALD E 33 4 STEEL PROD MORALES, CHRISTINE A 40 INT LOGISTICS ANDERSON, GILBERT C 36 3 CSW MORRIS, STEVEN G 11 7 B FURNACE ANGUIANO, URBANO T 36 INT LOG - YARD MUDY, JOHN M 37 UTIL POWER BALDWIN, ROY E 38 FIELD FORCES NORDYKE, DAVID M 34 80 HS MILL BETHEL, MARY A 40 MEDICAL NOWAK, LAWRENCE M 32 GALVANIZING BOCEK, JOHN M 41 2 COLD STRIP ODEGARD, LAWRENCE H 44 2 STEEL PROD BOGGS, CARROLL RANDAL 37 LIME PLANT OPACH, ALEXANDER 43 3 CSE BUTLER, DAVID R 31 MACHINE SHOP PATTERSON, CHARLES W 34 4 STEEL PROD CABRALES, JESUS SAUL 40 4 STEEL PROD PINTOR, FEDERICO 32 4 STEEL PROD CALDERON JR, FEDERICO 31 7 B FURNACE PRENDERGAST, DONALD 40 ROLL SHOP #5 CASTILLO, SUSAN D 32 4 STEEL PROD REILLO, ISMAEL 37 80 HS MILL COUNDIFF, DAVIS H 32 7 B FURNACE RIVERA, PATRICIA E 31 80 HS MILL DANIELS, SHARON A 33 1 EF&BC RODRIGUEZ, ARTURO 45 80 HS MILL DIAZ, FELIX M 37 3 CSE RODRIGUEZ, SANTIAGO M 31 7 B FURNACE DOBBINS, RODNEY A 31 FIELD FORCES ROSS, ROBERT E 37 GALVANIZING DOCTOR, DENNIS A 36 PROCESS AUTO SCHMID, DAVID C 36 3 CSE ECHOLS, LINDA 30 LOGISTICS SIGNORELLI, MICHAEL T 34 7 B FURNACE FLORES, JOSE L 36 80 HS MILL SILVA, JUAN J 37 TRANS FLORES, JOSE D 37 3 CSW SMOCK, DARLENE M 31 ACCTG & SVCS GARZA, VICTOR M 38 TRANSPORTATION STORDEUR, WILLIAM C 41 3 CSE GODINEZ, DORINE BARBARA 32 80 HS MILL SUSTAITA, RAYMOND A 33 4 STEEL PROD GOLON, THOMAS 31 3 CSE TAYLOR, DENNIS R 38 UTIL-POWER GROVES, RICKY 32 3 CSE TORRES, SAM 34 3CSW GRUBE, MARY H 30 3CSW TURNER JR, HENRY 43 4 STEEL PROD HAC, VENCEL D 31 4 STEEL PROD URIBE, ENRIQUE H 37 4 STEEL PROD HARVEY, JONAS W 34 5&6 BF SINTER VANTICHELT, WAYNE 29 FAB & RECLM HAZELETT, WILLIE M 38 80 HS MILL VEGA, DOMINGA 31 IH COKE CO HIGGINS, DANIEL P 31 IH COKE CO VEREB, WILLIAM A 34 PROCESS AUTO HINTON, GREGORY N 35 CLNG SERVICES WAITE, JEFFREY T 37 3 CSE HOOGEVEEN, JOHN R 31 80 HS MILL WALTON, DEWITT 20 7 B FURNACE JACKSON, DENISE R 31 7 B FURNACE WANGERIN, JAMES E 30 7 B FURNACE JAKES JR, M C 43 2 STEEL PROD WEST, GERALDINE 32 INT LOG - YARD KEELEN, KENNETH F 35 5&6 BF SINTER WILLIAMS, NOAH L 44 TRANSP KOLADA, JOHN H 34 MACHINE SHOP ZAMORA, RENE 31 2 STEEL PROD LANE, LEON 39 4 STEEL PROD Page 24 4th Qtr. 2010
2nd Quarter 2010 Retirees
ALLEN, KEITH E 31 MEDICAL LAPEER, JEAN 36 80 HS MILL BELLOSO, HECTOR M 31 IH COKE CO MERRY, DAVID E 22 WESTTRANSFR BOYCE, BRIAN R 36 4 STEEL PROD MILLER, WILLIAM A 32 80 HS MILL BRASEL JR, NOEL P 35 IH COKE CO MORAN, RICHARD J 36 RIGGER SHOP BURBAGE, ROGER D 39 80 HS MILL MUCHA, JAMES T 37 3 CSW BUSH, ANNETTE T 30 80 HS MILL NORTON, MICHAEL E 32 80 HS MILL COPELAND, PAUL J 34 FAB & RECLM ORTIZ, MARIA V 32 CNT SPR MTL OP CORLETT, DIANE M 30 H & S PEEK, ALBERT A 31 2 STEEL PROD CRUSE, VERNELL E 32 IH COKE CO RODRIGUEZ, DANIEL 44 7 B FURNACE DEAN, BRUCE W 29 7 B FURNACE DELAROSA, ISMAEL 39 80 HS MILL SAMARDZICH, TOMISLAV 37 2 STEEL PROD SANDATE, ANGELA A 33 3 CSE DELGADO, JOSE 33 3 CSE SHABAZ, EDWARD 34 UTL-POWER DEMOFF, STEVE A 44 80 HS MILL SLAUGHTER, CRYSTAL R 32 CNTRL SPRS DONOVAN, MICHAEL F 35 WEST TRANSFR TRIANA, FRANK A 36 TRANS GAINES, JOHNNY L 32 7 B FURNACE VILLANUEVA, EMILIO R 32 4 STEEL PROD GONZALEZ, EDWIN Z 35 7 B FURNACE WARE, YVONNE 33 3 CSW GRAY, RICKY L 31 2 STEEL PROD WARGO, DENNIS L 41 12 INCH BM GREGAS, CHARLENE J 34 CR OPERATIONS WISE, TERRY E 32 2 STEEL PROD GREGORY, JEFFERY L 31 I LOG TRK DRV JEFFERSON, CHARLES E 37 3 CSW KOZUP, JOHN M 38 3 CSE
Retired but not forgotten. Try as we may, inadvertent omissions do sometimes happen. We extend our sincere apologies. The Editor
ANREE , ROSEMARY 32 7B FURNACE (2nd Quarter 2009) SANDERS-ALLEN, IRENE 32 80 HS MILL (2nd Quarter 2009) HOLMAN, GARY 35 RAIL OPERATIONS (4th Quarter 2009)
We make the Job Safe, or WE DON’T DO IT! Steelworker Page 25
3rd Quarter 2010 Retirees
ADAMS, VICTOR 32 3 CSE ALT, JOHN E 36 80 HS MILL “There’s a di- ANDERSON, CURLIE 31 IH COKE CO ATKINS, RODERICK 36 80 HS MILL BATISTA, ALEJANDRO 42 12 INCH BM rect relation- DORSEY, JANICE E 41 FIELD FORCES FLORES, XAVIER 34 MEDICAL ship between GUNN, LAWRENCE A 35 3 CSW HOLT, RODNEY M 33 3 CSE the ballot box KLEKOT, NICHOLAS A 40 3 CSE KONTRIK JR, JOHN J 37 MACHINE SHOP and the bread MARTINEZ, JAIME 31 4 STEEL PROD MERCH, JAMES A 33 INT LOG - YARD box, and what MICHELIN, KRYSTAL S 31 IH COKE CO MIKOLAJCZYK, FRANK M 37 MACHINE SHOP the union MOSS, JANICE L 32 FIELD FORCES MURZYN, DANIEL T 32 2 STEEL PROD fights for and NIGHTLINGER, CHERYL L 31 EXT PROC ORTIZ, JUAN P 33 80 HS MILL wins at the OZEGOVIC, GEORGE 32 7 B FURNACE PANTOJA JR, CARLOS 44 80 HS MILL ROBINSON, ISAIAH 34 3 CSE bargaining ROBINSON-TRIGGS, TYCHELLE” 31 FIELD FORCES ROMAN, NICHOLAS 32 3 CSE table can be ROSADO, JOSE 36 WEST TRANSFER SPONAUGLE, JAMES C 38 UTILITIES-POWER taken away in STANFORD, GARY S 30 7 B FURNACE THOMAS, PAUL R 36 UTILITIES-POWER the legislative WEST, EUGENE 33 ROLL SHOP #5 halls.” Walter Reuther Page 26 4th Qtr. 2010
Local 1010 Bowling League
Bernita Calmese Highest Female Average & Series Rick Woloszyn Highest Average & 45 300 Games
This is the 50th year of Local 1010’s bowling league. Hank “Babe” Lopez started the league. Al “USA” Pena is the only bowler to have bowed all fifty years. The league started at Ken-Ridge Lanes. It was a tough place to bowl. 200 games were difficult to Al “USA” Pena get. Hank Lopez led the league each year with around Celebrates his a 180 average There is a record that has stood for 48 Golden Anniversary in years. It is the highest handicap game of 1,358. Hank the USW Local Lopez shot a 279, Nick Paunovich a 245, Don Lutes a 1010 Bowling 245, Pete Kounelis a 239, and Al Pena a 233. 1241 League was the highest scratch game and handicap ever bowled there. Steelworker Page 27
Celebrates Golden Anniversary
Pete Kounelis Leagues first 300 game 1974
Rick Woloszyn has the highest average (239) and has bowled 45 300 games. Bernita Calmese has the highest female average (191) and series (676). There have been a lot of 300 games shot. Pete Kounelis bowled the first one in 1974. He said he’s more proud of the 1358 handicap game the team bowled. Only seven times has the league winner been settled before the last night of bowling because you get 1 point for each game won and 1 point for series. For years the winning team went to the International Tour- nament, but there are no more tournaments. Last year 34 bowlers carried a 200 or better average. We have a 50/50 drawing each week. The bowlers get the money when the season ends. Karl Walker is now president of the league. Dennis “Bingo” Ault is vice president and Don Clinton is the secretary. We bowl at 6 p.m. on Mondays at Plaza Lanes in High- land. We only have 11 teams. We NEED extra bowlers. Retirees can bowl too. I was secretary of the league for 33 years until my retire- ment in 1996. Don Clinton (Bowling League Secretary) and Karl Walker (Bowling League President) discuess League matters. Don Lutes Page 28 4th Qtr. 2010
POINTS TO PONDER By Don Lutes
If you really want to retire on Janu- money and the present wife received The last contract we got has the best ary 1, 2011, but considered retiring on nothing because it wasn’t changed. health care plan ever for the retirees February 1 to pickup a $1,000.00 vaca- The same thing has happened on life and their spouses. The plan went in to tion bonus regardless of your age you insurance, optional life insurance, and effect January 1, 2009. All Active and are losing money. WHY? You are accidental death coverage. Retired Local 1010 member or spouse backing up your pension check by one We have a lot of retirees dying from who used negotiated Health Care Ben- month. You should go ahead and retire malignant mesothelioma. Even a spouse efits got a fresh start. Each retiree and on January 1. who washed her husband’s clothes died spouse has five million dollars in cov- If you retire after your 65th birthday from this disease. When you go to your erage. Each has a million dollars in you will not receive a monthly $400.00 doctor with pains in your chest, have a coverage for organ transplants. Hear- kicker. For example your 65th birth- scan taken of the front and back of your ing aid coverage is $1,500.00 for each day is October 3rd and you retire Oc- lungs. Ray Lopez is at the union hall ear every 3 years. tober 1st you will get the kicker added every Friday from 9 a.m. to noon for The company proposed during the to 12 monthly pension checks. You lose people with any asbestos problems. 2009 contract negotiations that anyone a total of $4,800.00 before taxes if you I belong to S.O.A.R. which is the on Medicare pay $100.00 a month for retire after your 65th birthday. Steelworkers’ Organization of Active their health insurance coverage and When we think about retiring, we Retirees. It is only $12.00 a year to be anyone not on Medicare paid $200.00 need to use our negotiated benefits to a member. Local 1010 pays the first a month. Local 1010 settled on $35.00 our advantage. All our Dependents year of membership for the retiree and a month if on Medicare and $70.00 a should fully utilize the negotiated Den- his/her spouse. month if not on Medicare. tal benefits BEFORE we retire. Did S.O.A.R. meets the 2nd Monday of I am proud to be a part of the union you know the dental program offered each month at 1 p.m. at Memorial Hall negotiation team. Your Local 1010 ne- to retirees for a monthly charge is a Local 1010. We have great informa- gotiation team did a great job as did the HMO? tion on what’s happening. We bring in Steelworkers International Union. Employees on last change agree- speakers, go to ball games, have pic- I am a recovering alcoholic. May 8, ments for Substance Abuse need to stay nics, and Christmas parties. Usually 2010 was my 36th year without a drink. vigilant on their program during the up- the meetings are an hour long. I couldn’t go 30 minutes without a coming holidays. Many of you may visit Any veteran who has to go into a drink. If you have a problem with al- your family during the holidays. We lose nursing home should apply for Veter- cohol or drugs feel free to call me. I more employees during the holidays ans’ benefits. If he/she qualifies, the know what living in hell is like. Your because the company increases com- Veterans Administration was paying call might save your life, marriage, and puter generated kick outs for Drug / $990.00 a month. Even some of their job. Alcohol testing. spouses can get the benefit if he/she is When a Local 1010 Member gets re- in a nursing home. Don Lutes married, MAKE SURE all declared In 1952 my father taught me how to beneficiaries are UPDATED and AC- Retirees’ Representative do pensions. I have been doing them CURATE to reflect your wishes on all for 58 years. If you want me to do (219) 924-2294 Home benefits documents. I have seen where your pension, Please call me. (219) 742-3269 Cell the ex-spouse has gotten all the 401k Steelworker Page 29
VOTE
Jim Metro Indiana State Senate District 6
Indiana is facing some of the most a strong middle class in this country see where our money is being spent, difficult challenges we’ve seen in a and in the State Senate I will fight how it is invested and who is ben- generation. The status-quo has for strong unions that protect the efiting. failed miserably and it is time for new rights of working men and women I ask for your vote on November ideas in Indianapolis. That is why I in Indiana. 2nd. Please stand with me on Elec- am running for State Senate. Rising I believe that Hoosier taxpayers de- tion Day, I will stand with you in the unemployment, underfunded serve a strong return on their invest- State Senate! schools and a weakening middle ment. That is why I will fight to pro- Jim Metro and his brother own and class are problems that require bold tect funding for our public schools operate Metro Excavating Corpo- leadership now. and promote policies that will allow ration. He is married to Terri As a small business owner, I under- parents, teachers and local officials Scheeringa Metro. They live in Ce- stand the difficulties that this to make the decisions about the re- dar Lake with their four children. economy has posed for employers; sources our children need to be suc- The 6th Senate District includes part and as a proud member of I.U.O.E cessful. I will also pursue legislation of Lake and Porter counties and all Local 150, I know that the solution that opens the state checkbook for of Newton and Benton counties. to our ailing economy is creating all taxpayers to see how their tax For more information about his cam- lasting jobs with the wages and dollars is being spent. For too long paign for State Senate, visit his benefits that all Hoosiers deserve. state government has operated in website www.metroforsenate.com Unions created and have maintained the shadows and it is time that we
Steelworkers support Metro for Indiana State Senate “We reward our friends and punish our enemies.” Samuel Gompers, AFL to union voters Page 30 4th Qtr. 2010
The Golden Ruse (Rules)!!!!! Steve Wagner Continued from page 31
Mike Bouvat Griever, Area 5 list of T.A.P. Vendors. A list of these What is the Golden Ruse (Rules)? educational institutions is also available What is the real definition of a ruse? A pervisor He gets to use A Judgment on Joblink’s website. Ruse is (an action or plan which is in- Call. How do you think they are gonna like the Golden Ruse (Rules)? tended to deceive someone). Make no We have developed reciprocal partici- I guess another name for the Golden mistake the Golden Ruse (Rules) is not pant arrangements with the other Ca- Ruse (Rules) could be Hide and Seek, about our safety. This is nothing more reer Development Cites here in North- ready or not here we come. What than another tool for the company to west Indiana. The availability of cus- workers now are going to be willing to dole out sever discipline or termination! tomized classes at other sites is subject report accidents, unsafe conditions, and The company states that we need this to specific agreements that we have near misses? We will feel compelled in order to insure safety. Nothing could for each class. Those classes are avail- to Hide everything. If management be further from the Truth. We already able to active members from each of smells anything they are going to Seek have an established way of dealing with the sites involved. Due to scheduling, it out and find someone to drop the so called individuals who Go out of their some classes are not put in our course Golden Ruse on. How many workers way to break safety rules. It is called catalogue. Please contact Joblink or want to take a chance and put their Job reinstruction and progressive discipline. check Joblink’s website for more in- at risk? As your Griever I have sat in We as Union Brothers and Sisters formation! know that the Union and the workers on a lot of managements Slack Jawed all support Safety! Without us the there investigations. It is always easy to say Don’t forget that active 1010 mem- wouldn’t be any Safety! a worker should have done this or could bers can combine the Tuition Assistance have done that. Most of the bosses $1800 annual limit with the Customize The Union will not support a program Class $2000 annual limit to provide a designed to put our Jobs in jeopardy. doing the investigations have never worked a double, never sweated in 100 more flexible total amount of educa- We all know that the real measuring tional assistance — $3800 per year to standard of whether someone is going degree heat, and had to contend with the environmental issues we deal with. Local 1010 Members. This combina- to be disciplined is going to depend on tion of limits is available to individuals how well you get along with your su- But yet just like a Monday morning quarterback, that boss is going to say, who have clear career goals to develop pervisor. Are you a Bootlicker, do you vocational expertise and may be ap- like to Shine Apples. Do you think you you should have made this decision. Pretty easy to say when you’re sitting proved in accordance with Institute for better be one of those guys who don’t Career Development’s guidelines. make waves? You better think about it in your lazy boy. now. Example: The company has an- Remember if any of you are called to If you have a computer at home, other Tool in their bag of games. It is the office for a meeting that could lead check out the Joblink Website at http:/ called the Fitness to Work Test. One to discipline you have the Right to have /bkjoblink.org/ . You will find next worker goes about doing their job as a Union Representative present. To my semester’s course lineup with course best as they can, but because we are Brothers and Sisters at 2 Steel Produc- descriptions and other pertinent infor- Human we accidently damage a piece ing if you feel a job is unsafe don’t do mation. of equipment, or there may be a near it. The days of working and using your Any questions regarding Joblink can miss. Then it is up to the boss to judge best judgment may cost you your Job. be directed to the Joblink Staff (219) your performance. I have seen situa- We will do everything we can to de- 399-8136. Anyone else who needs ad- tions where workers have similar acci- fend your Rights and Protect your Job! ditional information can call me at the dents. Who gets sent to the clinic for Safety shoe allowance, on October 1st union hall (219) 398-3100 or E-mail me Fitness to Work test? You guessed it, of each year workers are entitled to at [email protected]. If you the person the boss gets along with, and new safety shoes. call when I am not available, please they are not going. Will sending some- leave a message on my voice mail (ext. Yours In Solidarity one now really affect production they 113) and I will get back to you as soon aren’t going either! It’s all up to the su- Mike Bouvat as possible. Steelworker Page 31
LOCAL 1010 STEELWORKER The Bernard Kleiman JOBLINK Executive Board Learning Center Tom Hargrove, President by Steve Wagner, Vice President Steve Wagner, Vice President October 2010 Fidel Azcona, Recording Secretary Rosa Maria Rodriguez, Financial Secretary Joe Piller, Treasurer Dan Mosley, Guide Jim Gogolak, Inner Guard The East Chicago Water Filtration Luis Aguilar, Outer Guard math, reading, and communication Ivan Agosto, Trustee Plant is Joblink’s newest neighbor. skills. Our Career Development Pro- Max Carrasquillo, Trustee And that doesn’t mean that we are gram helps prepare us for the future Jerry Strauch, Trustee moving! We have at least a five year challenges of our jobs, our personal & plan to co-exist with the filtration family lives, and ultimately in retirement. Grievance Committee plant. We are currently looking at Anyone interested in a specific class Dennis Shattuck, Chairman other facilities but have no immedi- Darrell Reed, Vice Chairman may contact Joblink with the type of ate plans to move. Parking has been Matt Beckman, Secretary class desired to begin an interested list. tight but should begin to ease up as Grievers Don’t take classes for granted. the new roadway is paved, hopefully Classes may not be repeated, so Rory McDonald soon! Donald Guerrero enroll in a desired class when you Mike Bouvat If you desire to improve your skills see it offered as soon as possible. Otis Cochran or learn a new skill, Joblink is there All Joblink classes must be in accor- Cornell Smith Juan Vitela for YOU! Congratulations to all the dance with the Career Development David Hunter MTM remedial graduates who have Program Guidelines. Ron Kaszak successfully retested on the MTM 1010 Members can use their Tuition Ernie Barrientez Ramsey! For those interested in be- Assistance Program (T.A.P.) monies to Ron Friant coming an MTE, don’t forget that Larry McMahon access any accredited learning institu- Wil Rivera the Introductory to MTE Class is tion. T.A.P. benefits are a very flexible Tim Trtan also available as a telecast course. part of our contractually funded edu- Gary Bender Telecast courses allow for your cational benefit. T.A.P. funds are sub- maximum flexibility to take Dan Walters, Editor ject to funding limits and are available classes…check the Joblink Course annually on a first come first serve ba- Catalogue for more information. sis. Participants $1,800.00 maximum While some Joblink participants annual benefit can be used to cover are pursuing college degrees, many tuition, book, and course - related fees www.uswa1010.org others are taking classes to satisfy at nearly 100 approved learning institu- personal development to improve tions. Classes with the primary purpose The Local 1010 Steelworker is the official publication of the United Steelworkers - Local 1010, their ability to perform their current of recreation or personnel enjoyment AFL-CIO. It is published to circulate information jobs or prepare for new careers and are not eligible for tuition assistance of use and interest to its members. Submissions from members are welcomed and encouraged. retirement. All of these initiatives en- funding. Stop by Joblink to apply for This publication is free of charge to all active and hance a variety of skills including tuition program funding or pick–up a retired Local 1010 members. Mail to: USW Local 1010 Continued on page 30 Attention: Editor 3703 Euclid Avenue East Chicago, IN 46312 Change of Address If you have moved please mail this form, with the mailing label on the back page to Editor, Phone: 219-398-3100 ext.140 Local 1010 Steelworker, 3703 Euclid Ave., East Chicago, In. 46312 email: [email protected] Editor’s Note: The opinions of the authors ex- Name______Check No.______pressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect the opinions of the Local 1010 New address ______Executive Board or the Editor. City/State/Zip______Page 32 4th Qtr. 2010
PRESIDENT’S REPORT Doing the right thing award
Local 1010 started giving this award work as directed regardless of the risk about three years ago after an incident and many members find it hard to stand happened at the electric furnace that up to the boss. Unfortunately, we still Griffith caught my attention. Al Hewlett, a have bosses that try to intimidate us by giving us undesirable assignments or mechanic at the #1 Electric Furnace Post Department was instructed to go on top moving individuals to a different crew. the charging crane and hold down the We as union leaders must stand up and Office limit switch to allow the arm to be set help those folks do the right thing! We in the furnace. Fortunately, Al refused can not allow a coworker to jeopar- and asked for Safety Relief. I thought dize his or her well being by perform- Place this is great because he did the right ing a job incorrectly or by working in thing and should be recognized. How- or near an unsafe condition without try- Your ever, I’m sad to say that another me- ing to eliminate the unsafe work condi- chanic went on the crane and did the tion. jured or killed, the penalty un- Added assignment of holding down the limit We are all in this together and we must der OSHA’s is six months in switch while the trolley moved and set jail…..now does that make any all work together to do the right thing. Barcode the arm into the furnace. We cannot allow coworkers who are sense? How can a donkey’s Doing the right thing happens in many stuck in the past to expose themselves well being be more important ways such as: refusing to do unsafe to unsafe conditions and unsafe work and valuable than a human life? Here work if the boss or a coworker tells assignment. We must be committed to Here at Indiana Harbor we you to, stopping others from doing un- bring them to the present by any means have a Joint Health and Safety Thank safe work, watching out for each other necessary Program and try to do a rea- and going the extra step to keep each Manslaughter Act sonable job of removing unsafe You other safe. conditions. With this law in ef- Local 1010 member State Rep. Dan fect, just think how much Shared vigilance encourages us to be Stevenson will reintroduce the Man- quicker hazards would our sisters’ and brothers’ keeper. This slaughter Act bill in the Indiana Gen- be repaired if the manager thought is another example of how it is so im- eral assembly next session. This is a if he didn’t remove unsafe condi- portant to do the right thing. Whether good bill that provides criminal penal- tions, he could go to jail. it’s stopping unsafe work to protect ties with jail time if a manager allows a yourself and/or your coworkers, we hazard to exist and someone is seri- Simply stated, just think of the must intervene in these unsafe job as- ously injured or killed because of it. Manslaughter Act as a Golden signments to stop the unsafe work. Rule for Management! Collectively, we can make a positive There is a five-year jail term for ha- difference in preventing accidents. We rassing donkeys on federal property. In Solidarity, have to be diligent about looking out for But if a manager willingly lets a haz- each other, because some members will ard exist and someone is seriously in-
3703 Euclid Av. NONPROFIT ORG. East Chicago In. 46312-2233 U.S. POSTAGE PAID GRIFFITH, IN. PERMIT NO. 13 Return Service Requested Safety First! We make the Job Safe, or WE DON’T DO IT!!! November 2