Steelworkers Local 1557 Volume 2, Issue 7
http://www.local1557.net
332 State Street Clairton, PA 15025
412-233-5672
Contracting Out
Zone 4
Contracting Out Committee
Coking Department
Since our last newsletter we’ve been handed more than 40 contracting-out notices from the company. To date there are over 210 for the year. That’s a lot. Over 49 have been filed in the (so called) expedited grievance procedure. Many others have been “put on hold” mostly because the company does not give us enough information to reach agreement and some instances have been agreed to. The kinds of work that these notices represent range from the use of vacuum trucks to the actual repair of coke oven machinery. You have probably seen contractors working on Battery machinery right now. This is an ongoing issue for our committee and by no means have we reached any agreement with the company. We made them an offer, but they thought hiring 50 Journeymen Craftsmen and starting their Learner Program was laughable. This is what we deal with. As we said , there are contractor crews repairing Battery machines. So far there are 7 or so men working on these machines. There is another plan being developed to repair Tie Rods on 1-3, 7-9,13-15 and “B” Batteries. This plan calls for a minimum of a 5 man crew for each unit. On a daily basis we see scores of outside contractors doing work that we have fought to retain. Looking at only these two notices we think we are undermanned. (continued on Page 2 Contracting Out)
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1
Contracting Out – Zone 4 Report
2
Credit Union News
3
JUM -- Andy Miklos
4
Chemicals & Energy Report – Voter Registration
July 2004
Jon Grunsky Zone 4 Grievanceman Jim McGlaughlin Assistant Grievanceman Joe Lawrence Assistant Grievanceman *********************************************** Below are the statistics for Zone 4 for the past year: Grievances Filed: 221 2nd Step: 29 3rd Step: 4 Grievances over OT & Pay : 117 Cash Awards: $17,915.44 Reductions: 69 *************************************************************
Current Issues We are currently working on an equitable disbursement of overtime and when an agreement is reached we’ll notify the membership.
In Solidarity, Jon Grunsky
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Contracting Out Committee continued from page 1
Is this all “smart business” ? We’ve tried to understand the reasoning behind such a zealous use of contract labor but have had little success. As you see, much of the contract labor being used by the company is skilled , well paid craftsmen with fringe benefits. Many are also union members. Perhaps there are other costs that US Steel is not absorbing. Let’s consider the contracting-out notices. Many of the jobs being sold are Battery Maintenance jobs in “regulated areas”. Most of us know what these areas are but for those of you who do not, a “regulated area” for our purposes , is the workplace encompassed primarily by the coke works and screening stations. To work in these areas there are rules that must be adhered to. These rules assure that a workers health is protected as much as possible considering the many carcinogens that we are exposed to. US Steel is held to these rules by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). In Pittsburgh the number is 412.395.4903 . Our Local Union, representing the largest Coke Plant in the world, played an important role in establishing these rules. In 1971, during contract negotiations, we were generally not allowed to strike, however, for “local issues” we could. Our President at the time, Dan Hannan was able to make coke oven emissions a local issue. The threat of a strike over deplorable conditions on the coke batteries and worker safety put the necessary pressure on all parties to improve conditions. The United Steelworkers, US Steel and the United States Government all worked to develop an agreement to reduce coke oven emissions by changing work practices, reduce employee exposures through increased use of respirators and engineering controls and more relief from the job. All of this predated what eventually led to the creation of an OSHA Standard covering coke oven workers, 29 CFR 1910.1029 . You can read the entire law at http://www.osha.gov/. For each of us that spend 30 day’s a year working in a “regulated area” this OSHA Standard applies. Some of the highlights are respirator fit testing and periodic health examinations to aid in the prevention and detection of cancer which include x-rays and urinalysis. The company is also mandated to provide and launder protective work clothing to all who work in these areas in addition to the “filtered air” lunch rooms, locker rooms with “split lockers” and shower facilities. So where’s the savings ? Is the health and safety of these contractors the competitive edge ? We want to thank everyone in the plant that is paying attention to all of the jobs being done by contractors. By keeping us informed through the use of “Contractors in Plant Info Sheets”, we are able to offer resistance to this company. We can’t see everything or be everywhere, and
obviously, the company hasn’t been completely truthful in disclosing their use of outside contractors to us so we rely on you. Also, as a reminder, you can e-mail me (Bob Prah), Doug Cushey or Mike Opalinski at our website http://www.local1557.net to make reports of contractor activity in the plant. An issue that has been surfacing during our weekly contracting-out meetings is the use of the “Plant Overtime Sign- Up Sheets”. For some reason it is becoming clearer that the company believes that this list gives them more flexibility in using outside contractors . Here’s what’s going on. A lot of the work being contracted-out is being done under the pretense of not being able to get enough of us to work “overtime” on these jobs. That is , when they say they call us using the “Plant Overtime Sign Up Sheet” there are no takers. The next thing you know there’s another contractor doing the same work that they were supposedly trying to get us to do on overtime. Well , I have worked my share of OT and the one thing that I’ve noticed is that, almost always, there is a unit employee who says “they were not asked to work the OT”. What we‘ve come up with is this suggestion. If the company says that they are contacting everyone who signed this Plant Overtime Sigh Up Sheet and also all Unit Employees prior to contracting-out our jobs, and we know better, let’s make sure that they do. Let’s ALL sign up for these overtime opportunities and make them call us ALL just like they say they are doing. Why make it easy for them to sell our jobs? Thank You, The Committee ______________________________________ Credit Union News All employees of USS Clairton Works are eligible to join the Clairton Works Federal Credit Union. In order to make it more convenient for employees to become members, the Credit Union will have a representative available at the Union Hall on the second Wednesday of each month , beginning August 11th from 1:00 P: M until 4:00 P: M. They will be able to sign up new members, change existing payroll deductions and take loan applications. They can also answer general Credit Union questions regarding the products they offer and calculate blue book values on vehicles. They will not have access to individual accounts and will not be able to do withdrawals on the spot. The will, however, bring a check with them for pickup if you call the Credit Union office prior to noon on that day. This is an experimental program initiated for the convenience of the Credit Union members and USWA members, so be sure to give them your feedback if you’d like to see this continued or expanded.
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ANDY MIKLOS
JUM Safety Committee Report
WORK SAFELY--WORK SAFELY--WORK SAFELY As you know our safety has taken a turn for the worse, we had a great year is 2002 then in 2003 the fecal mater has hit the rotary oscillator. With the new contract, less people, more overtime, and lack of experience it is a wonder it is not worse. We have had 3 very serious life changing accidents in 2004, we need to communicate with our co-workers and follow the safe job procedures. In the company stand down meeting you heard that 70% of our 38 accidents were because we did not follow the rules. But in most of these serious accidents it was accepted practices that got our members hurt. If you know the SJP says one thing but you have always done it another way, Report It. If you feel the SJP or lockout is wrong, Report It. We have been receiving a lot of calls on the terrible smell that occurs usually in the mornings. This smell is NOT coming from the Koppers Plant like many people are saying; it is coming from the City of Clairton Sewage Plant. We have made several calls to them and other than smart --comments like “well your plant smells bad to us” there has been No help. They say they don’t hear complaints from anyone else but us. We have filed complaints with the Health Department also. Not dumping this off, because the smell is really bad at times, the JUM has NO control over this. If you want to voice your opinion to them you can call Mr. Dave Cochran at the Sewage Plant @ 412-233-3246. We are still working on the Door Closer and breaking glass problems on 1-3 and 7-9 High Temp. Glass is on order from Johnnies Glass they say 2-3 more weeks and we are looking at new closures for the doors. Other major projects are lighting in 3A beltline and other Screening Station areas. To see what all else the committee is working on check the JUM web site. If you have a concern that is not being addressed fill out an I-CARE Slip. You can follow the slip through its completion on the USS Clairton Works Home page by Clicking on the Employee Relation tab then click on Safety then click the JUM tab. You will find all I-CARE slips that are received and their status. All other JUM Information is also there such as prior JUM Minutes, JUM Meetings schedule, I-CARE box locations, Yellow Tag Audit Schedule and more. For immediate concerns contact your JUM Rep in your area or call Nick Tour @ 412-233-1877. ______________________________________________ Editors Note: Any Member that would like to contribute an article to this Monthly Newsletter is encouraged to contact me, Jerry Laycak : jerry@jlx.us or webmaster@local1557.net
Dear Brothers and Sisters, On July 7th another employee was seriously injured while working in the Plant. On July 12th the Company began to respond with Stand Down meetings, which was the beginning of an awareness program through out the Corporation. The Local was not involved in the planning of theses meetings or the information delivery. Our message was that as a work force we need to protect ourselves and work safely. We do not necessarily agree with all of the data, but these meetings were not the proper forum for debate and arguing from your Local Union Reps. These types of discussions will be taking place elsewhere. For now, what about when we are working on the job and encounter an immediate safety problem? What do you do? Here are some suggestions: Stop, don’t proceed and get hurt, Contact your Manager or a Manager, contact a member of the JUM Safety Committee, contact your Union Rep or the Union Hall. If you cannot immediately make contact with someone do not proceed ahead and put you or someone else in DANGER. On July 12th&13th Tom Bayura and I attended the first Partnership meetings since the new Contract, held in Pittsburgh. The purpose of these meetings was to voice our problems to the Corporation Heads in order to look for some resolution. The issues that we have wrong at this Plant are the same at the rest of the USS Plants. Overtime, Safety, Contracting-Out, Crew Leaders, Training and the list goes on. Part of the force behind these problems is this hot steel market that is being driven by China. At the end of the meeting the Company rep. did agree to start trying to resolve some of these issues. The Profit Sharing report was good, but the Company cannot release it until they have the final figures. We are pleased to see that another group of new Employees will be starting soon, pushing the total hired to about 100 in the last three months. United Way- The consensus from some members is that we should not participate this year, what do you think? Let me know. The 308 case backlog left to us when we took Office is at a current stand still because of a letter signed by the former President involving a number of these cases. We are trying to sort out our options in order to make the best decision. We will keep you informed. I am proud to inform the membership that Calvin Croftcheck has been named as the Safety Coordinator for Local 1557. Calvin will still be our Vice President, but now he will have some extra duties. We wish him well. In Solidarity, Andy Miklos Say a good word about your Union and God Bless America
Newsletter
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A Reminder to Vote November 2nd!
ROY BELL Brothers & Sisters of Chemical & Energy: In the past few months, two serious accidents have occurred. We all must think before we act in order to prevent more accidents like these from happening in the future. You should always think about your safety and that of your co-workers. If you see someone attempting something unsafe, please stop them and show them a safer way in which to do it. If an accident should occur, please remember to report it to a supervisor and also the plant hospital if medical attention is needed. It is important when reporting the accident that you do it in a timely fashion. If you do not report it quickly, the Company will not hesitate to take disciplinary action. (That is all that they really care about.) In other news, it is the Company’s position that it is in the regular job description of an Operating Technician 1 (Labor Grade 3 and above) to perform the duties of Vicing Foreman, Temporary Foreman and/or Team Leader at no additional rate of pay. The Company cannot, or will not, find the time to read Appendix J- Crew Leaders (page 215) , which states that Crew Leaders should be paid another $1.00 an hour to perform these duties. So, as usual, our fight regarding this matter continues. Another important issue is that the Operations Crew is performing maintenance work for less money than the Maintenance Technicians. Unfortunately, it is the Operations job description that you are to perform this work at your regular rate of pay. I am working very hard with Nick Tour, Tom Booher and the Company to resolve this and several other issues about training and what work you are to perform as Operators. Remember; only give the Company what they are paying for. In reference to the 56-hour cases, the Company is moving slowly in rendering 2nd Step decisions and 2nd Step minutes. I will pass new information on to you as it becomes available. (If the Company ever feels like getting around to It. that is) Finally, in regard to everyone in #5 Control Room: new overtime guidelines are being written and they will be available shortly. If you have any questions about these matters, or anything else, please feel free to contact me anytime at the following: Cell (412) 403-7395 Pager: (412) 240-0540 E- Mail roy.bell@local1557.net
ONLINE VOTER REGISTRATION If you would like to register to vote you can now retrieve the form on-line: http://www.state.pa.us In the right column, scroll down and click on: ‘Voting In Pa’ At that page, in the left column, click on: ‘Voter Registration’ Click on: ‘Voter Registration Application Form’ Select ‘On Line Fill In Form’ Print this form. Then go to: http://www.dos.state.pa.us for the address to mail the completed form. This form must be received at the Elections Bureau 30 days prior to the election to be eligible to vote. There are computers available at the Union Hall for your use and we will mail your completed Registration Form for you! ________________________________________________ SUMMER BASH The First Annual Local 1557 Summer Bash will be held at Rostraver Fire Hall on Friday, August 13th 2004. The party will start at 5:00 P:M and a buffet dinner will be served at 6:00 P:M. Refreshments include beer, wine and pop. A DJ along with karaoke will start right after dinner. Many different prizes will be given away: Gift Certificates, Golf Packages and dinner vouchers to name just a few. Tickets may be purchased at the Union Hall on Weds, Thurs and Friday of each week. Deadline for tickets is Wednesday August 11th, so that we may give the caterer sufficient notice, who by the way, is Kevin Kelly from B Battery. The price of tickets, to help with the expense of the party, is $7.00 per Union member and $14.00 per couple. We do hope you all will be able to attend and enjoy a night of fun and festivity. Directions from the Mill: Take 51 South to the United Mine Workers Building, bear right and go ¼ mile further to the Fire Hall on your right. You may also contact the Union Hall if you are interested in getting a room at a motel close by – we are in the process of getting discount rates at several places around Rt 70 and 51. Any questions may be directed to 412-233-5672 ext 18 – Hope to see you all ! Sheila Lee
LOCAL 1557 HTTP://WWW.LOCAL1557.NET Stay up to date on your website. Visit and contribute often.
THE UNION RIFLE COMPETITION WILL BE ST AT THE MILLVALE HELD ON AUGUST 21 SPORTSMAN CLUB WHICH IS BEHIND THE SALTDOME OFF OF 910 (WEXFORD EXIT ON 79N). IT WILL BE FROM 8:00 A:M TO 1:00 P:M. CONTACT: Calvin Croftcheck 412-233-5672 Ext: 10 for more information.
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